In a high-stakes AFL match on Friday night, Brisbane Lions ensured their standing in the top four with a well-earned 28-point victory over St Kilda. The match, which resulted in a score of 12.12 (84) to 8.8 (56), was the Lions’ seventh win in eight matches at the Marvel Stadium. Eric Hipwood led the Lions with a remarkable four goals, marking his third four-goal haul of the season.
However, the game could have taken a grim turn when Lion Eric Hipwood was subjected to a harsh tackle by Saint Liam Stocker, causing him to be reported. Stocker wasn’t the only Saint to have been reported that night, as Max King was also cited for striking, an incident dubbed as “the worst match day report of all time.”
The match kicked off with a poignant tribute to the late Danny Frawley, with players from both teams converging at the centre of Marvel Stadium. The first goal came from St Kilda’s Jack Higgins, thanks to a deft pass from Mitch Owens. The Lions quickly responded with Joe Daniher scoring their first goal of the night, leveling the scores.
Throughout the match, several incidences highlighted the changing dynamics of AFL tackling rules, with Brisbane’s Hugh McCluggage cautious to avoid a dangerous dump tackle on St Kilda’s Brad Hill. The match saw Cam Rayner miss a chance to add to Brisbane’s tally due to a shanked set shot, while Lion Oscar McInerney made the most of his opportunity, contributing to Brisbane’s first quarter lead of 22-6.
The second term saw the Lions further consolidate their lead, with Harris Andrews racking up eight first-half intercepts, dangerously close to the full game record of ten. The Lions held a comfortable 38-15 lead at halftime, despite Eric Hipwood missing a set shot after the halftime siren.
The second half saw Hipwood return to the fray unharmed, increasing Brisbane’s lead with the first goal of the half. Though St Kilda managed to narrow the margin with Anthony Caminiti and Ryan Byrnes scoring, Brisbane held a significant 62-41 advantage at the final change.
The Saints tried to rally in the last quarter, with Jade Gresham getting them on the board first. A controversial score review denied Max King a double strike. The tide turned decisively against the Saints when Saint Dougal Howard was penalized for straying from his mark, resulting in Keidean Coleman scoring from a 50m penalty. Eric Hipwood and Charlie Cameron then drove home Brisbane’s victory with late goals.
Harris Andrews stood out for his ‘impenetrable’ defence, achieving a record 14 intercepts, which proved instrumental in Brisbane’s victory. Additionally, Oscar McInerney’s dominant ruck work and the skillful performances from Josh Dunkley and Lachie Neale contributed significantly to the win. Despite the victory, the game will be remembered for the controversial reports on Stocker and King, stirring further debates around AFL’s tackle and striking rules.
