Lions get better of Suns in fiery clash

BRISBANE has narrowly prevailed over the Gold Coast with Queensland’s AFL rivalry continuing to grow in the four-point win.

The Lions rallied from nine points down in the final term last night to pip the Suns 10.18 (78) to 11.8 (74) and overturn a five-point QClash loss earlier this season in another fiery contest.

The lead fluctuated in a sloppy but hard-fought second half as the young Suns, led by Alex Sexton (four goals) and Brayden Fiorini (32 disposals) threatened a boilover.

But Brisbane withstood the pressure and did enough in the final 20 minutes to consign the Suns to a seventh loss and winless campaign at Metricon Stadium this season.

The derby fire was sparked on Thursday when Brisbane defender Nick Robertson said the Suns were soft.

And, after a bit of general niggle, that fire erupted in the second term when Sean Lemmens’ collected young Lion Brandon Starcevich with a high spoil.

Players came from all corners in front of 11,907 fans, with Dayne Zorko sent flying in the chaos by his chief antagonist Touk Miller.

The Suns had edged back into the contest prior to the incident, helped by the first-quarter exit of Lions defender Alex Witherden.

Brisbane took an early 20-point lead but the Suns lifted their work rate and took their chances as the game grew in intensity. GOLD COAST V BRISBANE BEST 1.2 6.4 8.6 11.8 3.5 6.10 7.15 10.18