"It was billed as the biggest game in Queensland ever: reigning AFL premiers Brisbane against their state rivals from down the M1. The long-derided Gold Coast had finally arrived as a force, winning an elimination final in an ecstatic finish over Fremantle, via a last-gasp point to retiring club great David Swallow. For a short time, the semi-final looked like it might live up to its billing. And then it fell apart. The Suns barely fired a shot after half-time,"
"Ben King plucked a pack mark and kicked the first goal for a confidence boost after a poor first final. Matt Rowell tore through the next stoppage and his captain, and best mate, Noah Anderson, streamed in on the run for another. Shortly after, Rowell burst through another pack and King had his next opportunity. King matched up on Darcy Gardiner, a gamble on the part of Lions coach Chris Fagan as he tried to free up Harris Andrews in defence."
"Both sides were aggressive in their ball use. At half-back, Lions veteran Dayne Zorko sent low, scudding passes forward, scything through the Suns' defence. Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner, both of whom were poor against the Cats, roamed higher upfield, asking more questions of their opponents. After Andrews had taken King out of the equation, two players separated the contest. The first was Josh Dunkley, who tackled the Suns and Rowell in particular into submissi"
Reigning premiers Brisbane and Gold Coast contested a highly anticipated Queensland semi-final. Gold Coast started strongly with Ben King, Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson producing early goals. Brisbane adjusted by moving Harris Andrews onto King, limiting the Suns' spearhead and shifting momentum. For a quarter and a half both sides traded aggressive, fast ball movement as Dayne Zorko, Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner probed forward. After the positional change, Brisbane's intensity and players like Josh Dunkley increasingly dominated contests. The Lions overwhelmed the Suns after half-time, securing victory and a preliminary final against Collingwood, while Gold Coast were eliminated.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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