Brisbane Roar Back to Overcome a Fearless West Coast Challenge
Wow, what a game! If you thought this one was going to be a comfortable ride for Brisbane, West Coast had other plans. The Eagles came out firing, bringing the heat early and stunning the Gabba crowd. For three quarters, it looked like an upset might be on the cards, but the Lions showed why they’re the reigning premiers, digging deep in the final term to snatch a 19-point victory.
West Coast absolutely blitzed Brisbane in the opening minutes. Tyrell Dewar was electric, slotting two quick goals to send an early warning. And then, the unthinkable—Brisbane, at home, found themselves trailing by five goals before they even had a chance to settle. Oscar Allen’s freakish bounce goal only added to the drama, as the Eagles surged to a 31-point lead.
You could feel the frustration from the Lions. The usually composed side was rattled, making uncharacteristic errors under immense pressure. Dayne Zorko, never one to shy away from the contest, was visibly fuming at his teammates at quarter-time, urging them to lift. And, slowly but surely, Brisbane clawed their way back into the contest.
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Callum Ah Chee was instrumental in that comeback, nailing three goals in the third quarter to spark the fightback. Young Will McLachlan, in just his debut match, gave the Gabba something to cheer about with his first AFL goal, and from there, Brisbane found their groove.
Lachie Neale, after a quiet Round 1, turned on the class with 35 disposals and a crucial goal, showing exactly why he’s one of the league’s elite midfielders. And Harris Andrews, as rock-solid as ever, marshaled the defense, cutting off West Coast’s attacks time and time again.
Despite their best efforts, the Eagles just couldn’t sustain the intensity. The humid Gabba conditions took their toll, with players from both sides cramping up late in the game. And when Logan Morris stepped up in the final term with two clutch goals, it was all over. The Lions had completed their comeback, running out 14.10 (94) to 11.9 (75) winners.
Credit to West Coast, though. After an 87-point drubbing at the hands of Gold Coast last week, no one expected them to push the reigning premiers like this. They were physical, they were organized, and they played with real belief. Liam Baker was a standout, leading by example in the midfield, while Liam Ryan was a constant threat up forward with three goals.
So, where does this leave both teams? Brisbane, while relieved to get the win, will know they can’t afford another slow start like that. And West Coast? If they bring this level of fight into the Western Derby next week, Fremantle better be ready for a battle.
At the end of the day, the Lions got the four points, but the Eagles earned plenty of respect. If this match is anything to go by, we’re in for a thrilling AFL season!
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