Another home and away season has come and gone, and we finished it off competitively at The Gabba to land in sixth place. A position on the ladder we occupied for large portions of the season. A ‘home’ final against the orange team awaits. Bring it on.

The match against Brisbane was sloppy, at best. We had the fumbles big time for most of the evening, failing to execute links in the possession chain, dropping chest marks, spoiling each other, but it wasn’t stressful. At no point during the game did we need to worry about losing, the game was purely a test of our character in the toughest assignment in AFL – Brisbane at home. we showed glimpses throughout, and late in the match were still a big chance of securing an unlikely win, but Brisbane was just too good. Their inaccuracy flattered us, truth be told. We lost by only two goals but they had twenty-seven pings at the big sticks. It would have been a miracle to pull it off.

The highlight of the game was Joe Daniher hitting the post from the goal-square. Was reminiscent of Bruce and Membery missing from the goal line years ago.

The Lions are the strongest third quarter team in the competition, having won fifteen of them across  the year. The Sainters put an end to that party, producing our most dominant quarter of the game, kicking 4.3 to 3 straight. It started with big old Mason Wood smacking the crap out of the ball when it was on the boundary, and crouch snapping truly. Membery and Butler joined in before it was Hayes O’clock. The big fella hasn’t played in nearly two years, and after marking straight in front sent the ball through the eye-diddle-diddle. The boys got around him, as they should, and it was joyous for all.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, we drew level with the Lions, but they kicked away after that. Both teams scored two goals, but in a replica of the first quarter, Brisbane were wildly inaccurate and finished the term with 2.7 to our 2.1.

The only injury concern out the game was Josh Battle who was subbed out with concussion. Ronnie Byrnes came on and made an instant impact, collecting thirteen touches in the third quarter and played a massive role in our third quarter resurgence. Jack Sinclair had a lot of the pill, but as highlighted on some different football programs would not be stoked with a few of his defensive efforts. Rowan Marshall was huge, but so was Big O, so it’ll be important in finals that Marshall not only does what he does, but also negates the influence of Keiran Briggs. Wilkie finished with 9 marks and the most in the AFL for the 2023 season, as he just continues to dominate everything and everyone.

Bring on finals!!!

Votes

3 – Marshall

2 – Wilkie

1 – Owens