Brisbane reminded everyone they’re still a serious finals force, smashing the Gold Coast Suns by 53 points in Saturday night’s all-Queensland AFL Semi-Final at the Gabba. Final score: Brisbane 14.16 (100) def Gold Coast 6.11 (47).
The Suns came out swinging, kicking the first two goals of the match, but the Lions quickly snapped into gear and dominated the rest of the night. After that brief early scare, Brisbane kicked 12 of the next 15 goals, blew the game open before half-time, and never let the Suns back in.
Dunkley Sets the Tone
In a finals performance for the ages, Josh Dunkley laid 18 tackles — the most ever recorded in a final. His defensive pressure around stoppages turned the game Brisbane’s way in the second quarter and kept it there.
“He’s a machine,” said Lions coach Chris Fagan post-match. “We knew we couldn’t let up. Gold Coast came out firing, but our pressure in the second half changed the game.”
Without Lachie Neale, many doubted Brisbane’s midfield. But Hugh McCluggage (33 disposals) and Will Ashcroft (28) stepped up brilliantly. Together, they controlled the tempo and kept the Lions moving forward with purpose.
Forward Firepower + Defensive Brick Wall
Up forward, Zac Bailey and Kai Lohmann each slotted three goals. Their speed and decision-making proved too much for a shaky Suns backline.
At the other end, Harris Andrews was a rock. He took 14 marks, shut down Ben King after his early impact, and led a defence that barely gave Gold Coast a look inside 50 in the second half.
Suns Fizzle Out
For the Suns, it was a brutal way to end what had been a history-making season. They won their first-ever final last week, but Brisbane exposed how far they still have to go.
Gold Coast co-captain David Swallow, who played his final AFL game, admitted it hurt.
“It’s tough to see it end like this,” he said. “Especially after such a promising year. But credit to Brisbane — they were the better side when it counted.”
The Suns’ ball movement stalled under pressure, and their forwards were well held. Even midfield warriors like Matt Rowell couldn’t break through Brisbane’s wall.
Where the Game Was Won
- Pressure: Brisbane laid 85 tackles to Gold Coast’s 56.
- Inside 50s: Lions had 60 to the Suns’ 43.
- Efficiency: Brisbane scored from over 50% of their entries. The Suns? Just 27%.
This wasn’t just about experience. It was about execution — and Brisbane nailed it.
What’s Next?
Brisbane now march into a Preliminary Final against Collingwood, with the same ruthless edge that took them to last year’s Grand Final. Despite some injury setbacks, they look as composed and dangerous as ever.
As for Gold Coast, this season will still be remembered as a breakthrough. They’ve made history. They’ve tasted finals. And with young talent rising, they’ll be back.
But this night belonged to Brisbane — and they’re not done yet.
