Resilient Lions pip Pies

A late snap from Jed Adcock has given the fast-finishing Brisbane Lions a thrilling two-point victory over Collingwood at the Gabba tonight.

Despite trailing by 16 points at three quarter time and looking a beaten side, the Lions persisted during the last quarter, and were rewarded for their efforts when Adcock goaled with minutes remaining, handing the Lions their first win of the season 13.18 (96) to 13.16 (94).

It was a particularly satisfying win for Brisbane, who had to contend with a six-day break after their gruelling match against West Coast last week, and their gritty last quarter performance will have greatly pleased coach Leigh Matthews.

The momentum shifted throughout the contest, with Collingwood enjoying a superb third term, booting five goals to one, setting up what looked to be a match-winning lead. But a combination of missed chances, and a gutsy last quarter from star midfielders Simon Black, Luke Power and Travis Johnstone saw Brisbane emerge victorious.

The match began in muddy conditions after a day of heavy rain in Brisbane, resulting in a physical struggle from the outset. A goal from Jamie Charman on the quarter time siren saw Brisbane edge the first term by two points. But the Magpies enjoyed much of the play, especially around the stoppages, with Dane Swan continuing his impressive early season form with another strong performance.

Early goals in the second quarter to Bradshaw and Jonathan Brown, who was matched up against second-gamer Nathan Brown, saw Brisbane reclaim the momentum, and when Josh Drummond goaled from 55 metres late in the term, Brisbane led by 14 points and were threatening to break the game open.

But as we've seen so often before, Collingwood fought back tenaciously. Didak snapped an opportunistic goal right on half-time, and the goal seemed to spark the Pies into action after the long break.

Simon Black kicked the first for the half, but goals to Rocca and Egan brought the Magpies within a goal, and when Swan sent one home from 50, the Pies were back in front and began looking comfortable. The Lions struggled to clear Collingwood's stubborn half-back line, starving the quiet Jonathan Brown from opportunities against his inexperienced opponent.

Collingwood's forward pressure during the second half was tremendous, with Didak, Dale Thomas and Paul Medhurst not allowing the Lions easy passage off half back. Medhurst in particular was solid all night, but his 1.4 return was costly in the finish.

The fourth quarter was bruising, with Simon Black in particular fighting hard for every possession. He had a terrific second half after being held to five touches in the first, and was pivotal in wresting back the impetus for Brisbane along with Luke Power and Travis Johnstone.

After the teams traded goals early, Brown won a questionable free kick against his namesake before kicking truly. Pies coach Mick Malthouse threw down the challenge to young Brown, who toiled bravely last week on Matthew Pavlich. And whilst Jonathan Brown ended the game with 2.3 from 10 possessions, his young opponent won't be too displeased with his display.

Rocca, Thomas and Medhurst all had the chance to secure more breathing space for the Pies, but they all hooked their shots, and it was to prove costly, as minutes later, a long kick to Brown fell off hands, allowing Adcock to snap home and win the game for Brisbane.

Despite the narrow loss, Collingwood can still take positives from the game. New captain Scott Burns was tremendous in his first game as captain, picking up 28 possessions, while Josh Fraser and Alan Didak were both solid in the difficult conditions.