Lions win ugly over Saints to consolidate top-four spot

Anna Harrington | June 23, 2023

Brisbane weren’t their typical free-scoring selves in their 28-point victory over St Kilda but coach Chris Fagan couldn’t be much happier with how the Lions found a way to win ugly.

A horror two-goal first half proved costly for the Saints, while the Lions largely overcame some wastefulness to prevail 12.12 (84) to 8.8 (56) and consolidate their AFL top-four spot.

The Lions (40 points) leapfrog Melbourne (36) into third and have some breathing room on the Saints, Essendon – who play Saturday night – and the Western Bulldogs (all on 32 points).

“It was a dour sort of a game,” Fagan told reporters.

“What I was most pleased about was we were able to win in a game that was played like that because we don’t necessarily get associated with those sort of wins, the Brisbane Lions.

“But I thought tonight we toughed it out. We probably could have been a little bit further in front at half-time, just a little bit of accuracy in front of goals. 

“But what I loved about our game tonight was our defence.”

St Kilda spearhead Max King was held goalless by Jack Payne and was reported for striking Brisbane defender Ryan Lester in the second quarter, when he clipped him in the neck with a late spoil.

Defender Liam Stocker was also reported, for a dumping tackle on Eric Hipwood just before halftime.

Brisbane’s Hipwood kicked four goals, with Fagan describing the oft-criticised key forward as “hard to stop”.

Ruckman Oscar McInerney beat Rowan Marshall and Joe Daniher (18 disposals, two goals) was influential.

Co-captain Harris Andrews (21 disposals, 14 marks) made light work of young Saints forward Anthony Caminiti and was a crucial interceptor.

“What a game,” Fagan said.

“He was everywhere.”

Lachie Neale (29 touches, 10 clearances), Josh Dunkley (26) and Jarrod Berry (18 touches, one goal) were all busy.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (24 touches, one goal) was St Kilda’s shining light while Jack Sinclair (36 touches, one goal) won plenty of the ball.

After an emotional pre-match tribute to late former St Kilda defender Danny Frawley to mark ‘Spud’s Game’, the Saints booted the game’s first goal.

But from there, Brisbane were dominant.

The Lions had 18 inside-50s to seven, but failed to make their dominance count, booting just 3.4 to lead by 16 at the first change.

Brisbane led by 23 points at the main change.

“They monstered us around the ball in the first half – clearances 20 to 10,” coach Ross Lyon said.

“Our ball movement out, that’s been good all year, that struggled against them. All credit to them.

“I thought they were harder, I thought they were tougher, which disappoints me because I haven’t been able to say that nearly all year and they pulled us apart a bit, but off the back of contests.”

St Kilda booted four goals for the third term but still trailed by 21 at three-quarter time.

Despite St Kilda’s early surge, with Jack Gresham goaling and King having a snap chalked off on score review for being touched, Brisbane held their nerve.