Strong wind at RSEA Park on Saturday saw the Lions’ hopes of the $1 million McClelland trophy blown away by a rampant St Kilda. The Saints booted eight in a 21-point boilover.
Struggling after a first quarter that saw them scoreless, the Lions never got onto the front foot against a Saints’ side who led throughout the game. Even so, there was still hope coming into the final quarter with the wind at their back against a team who’ve been vulnerable in the last term. But poor discipline robbed the Lions of any chance as the players were unnerved by a chatty Saints side.
It was all downhill even before the first bounce for the Lions as Sophie Conway, averaging 15 disposals and one six-pointer a game, withdrew with a tight hamstring. Midfielder Ally Anderson stepped up to be Brisbane’s best on field, racking up 19 disposals and 9 tackles, while Dakota Davidson booted two goals.
The team had been strongly favoured to take out the game and remain in the running for the McClelland Trophy, which goes to the best joint effort of men and women’s clubs through the season. However, the Melbourne Demons, next week’s opponent and ladder leader, will enjoy the million bucks.
That game on Saturday evening promises to be a tough ask for the Lions, who will surely need a win at Brighton Homes Arena to wrap up a top-four finish in the regular season. Essendon and the Gold Coast will both have the Lions in their sights as they meet in a scrap that will see the winner overhaul the Lions if the women in maroon slip up.
ROUND NINE
St Kilda 8.7 (55)
Lions 5.4 (34)
