PHILLIP HARSANT
The Brisbane Lions Reserves defeated the Sydney Swans Reserves in the NEAFL Cross Conference Grand Final on Saturday to take home the premiership trophy for the second year running.
The Lions defended their second title in a week with a 12.9 (81) to 10.13 (73) victory at the Aspley Oval after defeating Aspley in the Northern Conference final the previous Saturday.
The Lions took a 19-point lead at the first change with a damaging first quarter.
A strong breeze appeared to aid the scoring at one end as Sydney pushed back in the second quarter to lead by two points at half time, with the Lions scoring just a solitary point during the stanza.
In the third quarter, Richard Newell pressured Tony Armstrong to curb his influence, and the Lions regained the lead.
The fourth quarter was not decided by the breeze as the additional fitness of the Lions three extra listed players helped them to overcome the young Swans.
Jesse O’Brien continued his good form after returning from a long-term injury to earn the Andrew Ireland medal as the best on ground.
Tim Membrey was consistently dangerous throughout kicking five goals for the Swans while the most dangerous forward for the Lions was first year player Michael Close.
Lions Reserves coach Leigh Harding said the Grand Final victories was the cherry-on-top for his primary goal to develop young players to the standard of the AFL.
“That said, it feels pretty great to get the win,” he told the Lions website.
