Grandstand finish as Lions edge out Suns in thrilling opener

BRISBANE have edged local rivals Gold Coast to make a winning start to their 2017 AFL season.

Despite holding a sevengoal lead at half-time, the Lions were nearly overrun last night by the Suns in the dying minutes at Metricon Stadium but held on to claim a 15.8 (98) to 14.12 (96) win.

Ryan Bastinac finished with three goals for the Lions, who began life under new coach Chris Fagan with victory.

New skipper Dayne Beams shone for the visitors with 28 disposals and six tackles to pick up the Marcus Ashcroft Medal as the best on ground while the man who did hold the captaincy at the Lions, Tom Rockliff, was the top disposal gatherer with 37.

For the Suns, Tom Lynch booted three majors while Aaron Hall and debutant Ben Ainsworth had two each as they played leading roles in the hosts’ comeback. Former Suns’ skipper Gary Ablett picked up 28 disposals and laid eight tackles in his first match since relinquishing the club’s leadership in the off-season.

The Lions charged out of the blocks with Mitch Robinson and Dayne Zorko kicking two goals each as the visitors booted seven unanswered goals. A double to Bastinac in the second quarter extended the Lions’ lead to 46 points by the main break.

Suns’ coach Rodney Eade’s words at halftime must have spurred his charges as they produced an eight goal third term.

The Lions did enough to retain a three-goal margin at the final turn but momentum was with the home team heading into the final quarter. With 10 minutes to go Adam Saad scored a behind, which levelled the scores.

Lewis Taylor and Lynch shared goals to keep the scores close but the Lions did just enough to hold on.