SAM MUGGLETON
A monster second half saw the high-flying Brisbane Lions recording their ninth straight win after defeating the Canberra Demons by 94-points at UNSW Canberra Oval on Saturday.
The opening was a shootout with the Lions keeping the gallant Demons in the hunt. By half time a 26-point deficit was all that separated the two. However, a 15 goal second-half haul from the Lions was enough to shut the opposition down early in the third quarter. The unbelievable run for the Lions is now their longest winning streak in NEAFL history and is a positive sign leading into the NEAFL finals.
Brisbane skipper, Liam Dawson said the winning run has brought about a great atmosphere around the club.
“The boys have played very well all year and it’s great to reap the rewards now and the boys are feeling good about it all. They were coming out pretty excited and raring to go today and it’s just an exciting time for the club,” Mr Dawson said.
The history making win comes in a season where the Lions have debuted six players and had three rising star nominations. The future looks even brighter for the soon to blossom Brisbane team, with potential first round pick and Lions academy product Connor Ballenden bagging four goals for the game. Fellow forwards Matthew Hammelmann and Archie Smith also kicked five and four goals respectively, stretching the Demons defence to its limits.
Smooth operators Marco Paparone (37 disposals) and Claye Beams (34 disposals) put their hand up for senior selection with strong performances, while 100 gamer Rohan Bewick’s experienced head kept the youthful Lions on track.
The second placed Lions will return home this week to prepare for a heavy weight battle with the top of the table Sydney Swans.