NT’S BAILEY STARS IN LIONS’ WIN OVER GIANTS
Skipper Coniglio clicks but it’s not enough for GWS
BEN HORNE
STEPHEN Coniglio stood up to be counted for GWS, but the captain’s knock was not enough to stop the bleeding for a struggling Giants side overrun 13.10 (88) to 10.8 (68) by Brisbane at Giants Stadium yesterday.
The Lions catapulted back into second place on the ladder, with defensive powerhouse Harris Andrews once again a tower of strength at the back, and Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner producing the killer blows up front in a convincing 20-point win.
After hammering home the first four goals of the match, Brisbane cantered ahead by 32 points early in the third term.
That was before the orange tsunami clicked and reduced the margin to just eight shortly before the final break.
However, Rayner came from nowhere to claim a stunning pack mark – one of the best of the season – before going back to kick the turning point goal at the end of the third and settle Brisbane’s nerves.
From there, the Lions kicked again in the last to finish victors and reassert their position as title contenders, consigning GWS coach Leon Cameron to some further headaches this week as he tries desperately to get last year’s grand finalists gelling again before it’s too late.
The Giants missed a chance to move back into the top eight, and now risk dropping out of top four contention soon if they can’t break through their current funk.
Coniglio responded to speculation over his place in the team with a game-high 27 disposals and nine clearances in what was the skipper’s best game since the season resumption.
Territorian Zac Bailey enjoyed a good day out for the Lions. He booted two goals, and finished with 18 disposals and three tackles.