The Gabba Stunner!
The Brisbane Lions pushed, poked, and prodded their way through to a narrow victory over the Pies at the Gabba on Saturday night.
The weather was perfect for perfect footy. An unbiased spectator, I sat amongst the haze of black and white of the Collingwood Army. It was boisterous: every squandered kick, every near goal, every poor umpire call was lamented in tune. When goals were scored and decisions went in favour, the Army erupted.
By the final siren, there was silence. A voiceless array of black and white stripes.
The Lions were relentless. While they only enjoyed a short lead— albeit the one of sole importance—they stayed with fingers outstretched for the entire four quarters. When Didak dropped a sideways footy onto the boot and wobbled it through, Rich went and did the same. When Didak did it again… Rich did it again.
The young blood pulsed through Brisbane like it did in the 2001-2004 Golden Era. When the run came, it came quickly and on fresh toes. When the goals came, they dropped from experienced hands to trusted boots.
Fevola starred in the fourth quarter, with another freakish goal, this time over his shoulder. Brown quelled any doubt that he was recovering well from recent injuries to the lower abdomen. In my pre-match article I said that the big forward duo would have to kick eight between them to win the game. They did just that.
There may be some woe for Johnathon Brown, seemingly being reported for his scuffle with Harry O’Brien. It seems that hair pulling is a popular, but sure fire way, to get the nod to tribunal.
For Luke Power, who enjoyed the win on his 250th game, victory is sweet.
