The Gold Coast Suns’ dream AFL finals campaign has come to a screeching halt at the hands of their northern rivals, with the Brisbane Lions storming into yet another preliminary final. In a one-sided QClash semi-final at the Gabba, the Lions unleashed a ruthless 53-point demolition, winning 14.16 (100) to 6.11 (47), to keep their premiership defence very much alive.
The result means Brisbane will now travel to the MCG to face Collingwood in a blockbuster preliminary final on Saturday. For the Lions, this will be their fourth consecutive trip to the penultimate weekend of September, as they remain just two wins away from securing back-to-back premierships. For the Suns, however, it was a bitter end to their maiden finals campaign in their 15th AFL season, and one that underlined the gulf between the competition’s newest club and a seasoned contender.
Lions Overcome Absences with Depth and Class
Heading into the clash, the Lions faced questions about whether their depth could withstand the loss of key stars, particularly Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale, who was ruled out with a calf injury. But instead of folding, Brisbane’s second-tier and emerging players rose to the challenge in emphatic style.
Last year’s Norm Smith Medallist Will Ashcroft put on a masterclass, amassing 28 disposals, slicing through the Suns’ midfield with precision, and kicking two opportunistic goals. Josh Dunkley played one of the most relentless games of his career, registering a finals-record 18 tackles in a display of ferocious intent. Hugh McCluggage, who was heavily criticised after a quiet 14-disposal outing in last week’s defeat to Geelong, responded superbly with 33 touches, 10 clearances, and unrelenting drive.
Cam Rayner also showed his trademark physicality, shrugging off an AFL-record eight tackles in an unstoppable burst of power football. His efforts, combined with the manic forward-half pressure of Charlie Cameron and the class of Dayne Zorko, ensured the Suns were unable to build any momentum beyond the first quarter.
Suns Start Bright but Fade Quickly
The Suns entered the match with confidence and were electric in the opening stages. Key forward Ben King presented strongly, while Noah Anderson (26 disposals) continued his rise as one of the league’s premier midfielders by kicking a trademark running goal from the centre clearance.
Gold Coast’s midfield trio of Anderson, Matt Rowell, and David Swallow looked threatening early, winning plenty of contested ball and driving the ball forward with purpose. King kicked two goals in the opening stanza as Darcy Gardiner struggled to contain him, before Harris Andrews switched onto the Suns spearhead and shut him down comprehensively.
From there, the Lions began to strangle the Suns’ ball movement. Their defensive setup forced repeated turnovers, which Brisbane punished with ruthless efficiency. Kai Lohmann was the beneficiary, kicking three goals—including a slick effort from a backline turnover that shifted momentum firmly in Brisbane’s favour.
Turning Point Before Half-Time
A critical passage late in the second quarter broke the game open. With the Lions already beginning to surge, a costly 50-metre penalty gifted Zac Bailey a simple chance in front of goal. He converted, kicking one of his three goals for the night, and extended Brisbane’s lead to 25 points at the main break.
Lohmann, sporting a new buzz cut, added to the Suns’ misery by opening the second half with another major. Meanwhile, Suns youngster Bailey Humphrey missed a golden chance after opting for a snap shot directly in front, a decision that proved symbolic of the Suns’ inexperience on the finals stage. Bailey then rubbed salt into the wound at the other end with a spectacular leaping mark and goal, as the Lions’ confidence soared.
From there, the margin ballooned. Teenage rookie Ty Gallop put the icing on the cake when he kicked his first AFL goal, sparking jubilant celebrations as the Gabba crowd sensed another September triumph.
Farewell to a Suns Foundation Great
While the defeat was crushing for the Suns, the night also marked the end of an era. Veteran midfielder David Swallow, the club’s inaugural No.1 draft pick and a loyal servant since Gold Coast’s inception, bowed out after 236 games. Swallow was recalled to the side for the Suns’ historic first finals appearance and fittingly played a part in their one-point elimination final victory over Fremantle last week. His presence provided a sentimental moment amid the heartbreak, with fans and teammates acknowledging his contribution to the club’s journey.
The Road Ahead
For Brisbane, the win reignites belief that they remain one of the most dangerous September outfits despite their injury concerns. The Lions’ ability to not just cover the absence of Neale but thrive in his absence will send a warning to Collingwood ahead of next week’s preliminary final at the MCG. With Ashcroft, McCluggage, and Dunkley in red-hot form, and the likes of Rayner, Bailey, and Cameron sparking in attack, Brisbane look every bit like a side still capable of defending their premiership crown.
For the Suns, the season ends in disappointment, but their first finals appearance provides a platform to build upon. With King, Anderson, Rowell, and Humphrey forming the nucleus of a talented core, and under coach Damien Hardwick’s stewardship, the Suns can view 2024 as a breakthrough campaign—even if it ended on a sour note against their fiercest rival.
