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The young guns of Brisbane stood up, with Eric Hipwood, Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry stepping up when it mattered most.
Plus Brisbane’s list boss might get another hug from the coach.
Every Brisbane player rated out of 10 from its semi-final clash against Melbourne.
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2. Deven Robertson
Unsurprisingly went straight to Clayton Oliver — and barely left his side for the first half. Then dropped out of the on-ball brigade after half-time then had a big final term. Tackled well throughout the whole game. 6
4. Cal Ah Chee
Started on a wing then pushed forward when Charlie Cameron went off briefly with an injury scare. Even floated back into defence to give the backline a chop-out. Nailed a goal just before half-time to keep Brisbane in the game. 5
6. Hugh McCluggage
What a star — a finals star. Quiet opening term before winning more of the ball from quarter-time onwards, particularly when the Lions surged in the third term with an eight-disposal quarter. Class personified when he pulled off a stunning, running goal that reduced Melbourne’s lead to one point. 8
7. Jarrod Berry
The unlikely second-half hero. Spent most of the first half patrolling the broadcast wing on James Harmes. Then moved into the midfield, ran with Clayton Oliver and had a massive third quarter, amassing nine disposals. Got even better in the last, running on top of the ground when everyone else had stopped. Might be in some MRO trouble after making questionable contact with Oliver’s face. 8
9. Lachie Neale
Not as big as last week, but lifted when it mattered most. Was ‘followed’, rather than ‘tagged’, by Angus Brayshaw. Had a slow start but lifted his output in the third term at stoppages, racking up 11 disposals and four clearances for the quarter alone. 7
10. Daniel Rich
A big game from the veteran — in fact his best final ever. Had a game-high 11 touches in the first term, but came under scrutiny from Fox Footy’s Nathan Buckley for not “defending first”. But was a constant threat off half-back the whole game and even pushed up onto the ball to have an impact at stoppages. 7
11. Lincoln McCarthy
Worked up the ground as the high half-forward. Finished goalless and didn’t have a massive influence on the game. 4
15. Dayne Zorko
A minute in was already copping boos from Dees fans. Played predominantly across half-forward with stints on the ball. Was a constant threat throughout the game and constantly drove the Lions inside 50. 6
16. Cameron Rayner
Started across half-forward with stints on the ball. Fluffed an easy set-shot opportunity from directly in front in the opening quarter. Had a couple of ‘moments’ without dominating the match. 5
18. Keidean Coleman
What a weapon for the Lions. Consistently won the footy back off the Dees and used it efficiently by foot. Started the game on Alex Neal-Bullen but stood next to various Lions half-forwards. Pulled off an intercept mark then a terrific field kick in the second term that set up a Brisbane score opportunity and broke the trend of Lions defenders just bombing the ball forward. 7
21. Tom Fullarton
The like-for-like replacement for Joe Daniher. Big eight-disposal second term as he pushed into the ruck more often. 5
23. Charlie Cameron
Minimum touches, maximum impact. Worked hard up the ground, especially at midfield stoppages, in an attempt to beat Michael Hibberd. Then limped off with an apparent foot injury in the first term. Came back on and (finally) delivered Brisbane’s first goal before a terrific left-foot snap major in the third quarter. Limited touches and opportunities, but looked like the only dangerous Brisbane forward inside 50, attacking the ball in the air and applying great defensive pressure. Then snapped a ripper goal late in the fourth term to give Brisbane breathing space to finish with three for the night. 7
25. Dan McStay
Back in the forward line this week after a starring ruck role against Richmond. Applied a terrific tackle on Trent Rivers just before three quarter-time that set up Eric Hipwood for his fourth goal, before giving the Lions the lead at the start of the fourth term with his own goal. Presented hard all night and played with tremendous presence. 6
27. Darcy Gardiner
Followed Bayley Fritsch in Melbourne’s forward 50 and had his measure for most of the night, albeit Fritsch made the most of his limited opportunities. 6
30. Eric Hipwood
Eric the igniter. Manned up by Steven May at the opening bounce before Harry Petty moved onto him for stings. Broke through for his first goal in the second term, but really came alive in the third. Pulled off a strong mark and goal at the start of the quarter before nailing a crunch set-shot and nailing a buzzer-beater for his fourth of the match. Then had a Buddy-like moment, running to half-forward, kicking long and finding Charlie Cameron deep inside 50 for a goal. 8
31. Harris Andrews
Great return to form. As expected went to Ben Brown and took the points. Kept Brown goalless and went at 100 per cent by foot. 7
32. Darcy Fort
Chris Fagan said he hugged his list boss last week for recruiting Fort. Reckon he might give him another hug. Into the team for Oscar McInerney and competed hard at ruck contests then kicked a towering set-shot goal in the third term. 6
33. Zac Bailey
Typical Bailey game, having strong impact on the ball then pushing forward hard. Finished with a couple of goals. 6
37. Brandon Starcevich
Had his hands full with the responsibility of manning up Kysaiah Pickett, who kicked a couple of goals but overall was beaten by the Lions defender. 6
40. Jack Payne
Started back and often took the resting Melbourne ruckman. Had a lot of the ball in the second term trying to set the Lions up off half-back. 6
43. Noah Answerth
Back from a one-week suspension and played mainly on the wing. Finished with eight disposals. 5
44. Darcy Wilmot
Not a bad way to start your career. Went to Jake Melksham early in the game. A tough player. Finished with 15 disposals. 6
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