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There just seems to be something about these particularly pumped-up contests that gets this Brisbane Lions midfield hopping, with the most highly anticipated QClash in AFL history proving once again why they are the champions.
And the aftermath of their 9.12 (66) to 7.7 (49) triumph over the Gold Coast Suns left one question to ponder: just where will their band of brothers – well, duo – stand in the game by the time their careers come to an end?
Will, Marcus and Levi Ashcroft at the Gabba.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Ashcroft boys – Will and Levi – have garnered plenty of attention in the fledgling stages of their playing days, predominantly the former given he already has a premiership and Norm Smith Medal hanging around his neck.
But the scary reality is they are still so young and yet are already making such palpable impressions in the AFL, and that was on display for all to see against the Suns.
They were fearless in attacking the ball and eager to make their mark on the contest. Even in the tight opening quarter where only a goal a piece was kicked, they constantly threatened and probed forward to give the Lions chances to strike and make the Suns feel hot under the collar.
Come the second quarter, when Brisbane got on a roll, and the work the sibling sensations had put into their midfield craft was beginning to pay dividends.
Charlie Cameron, of the Lions, and Wil Powell, of the Suns, challenge for the ball.Credit: Getty Images
Charlie Cameron and Callum Ah Chee proved the greatest benefactors of their work in kicking three goals apiece, with the former having not kicked a goal in three weeks before Sunday.
Together with Hugh McCluggage (30 disposals, eight clearances, two goal assists) and Lachie Neale (25 disposals, 10 clearances), the Ashcrofts proved they would be a force to be reckoned with for the long haul to take the Lions to the top of the AFL ladder.
Will was a deserved winner of the Marcus Ashcroft Medal – named after his three-time premiership-winning father – in finishing with a match-high 34 disposals along with nine clearances, while younger brother Levi claimed 29 disposals and three clearances as his stocks continue to grow.
“I don’t try and think about [winning the medal] … but it’s something that’s been joked about at different times that it would be pretty cool to win it.”
Will Ashcroft
Never has a clash between these two highway rivals occurred with both locked inside the top four, in a sign of the grand strides Suns coach Damien Hardwick has taken in his second year at the helm of the club.
However, the showcase proved the Lions were the premiers for a reason, leaving their fade out against Collingwood their only blemish eight matches into their campaign, with even Hardwick lamenting they could not withstand the midfield onslaught they were on the receiving end of.
“We knew we were facing the best Gold Coast team we’ve ever faced, so that’s how we prepared ourselves.”
Lions coach Chris Fagan
The King gets dethroned
All year, Suns star Ben King had been on a one-way track towards the Coleman Medal – kicking goals at will at becoming a formidable force in the Gold Coast’s forward pocket.
Marcus Ashcroft after awarding Will Ashcroft the Marcus Ashcroft Medal.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Yet come Sunday night, he was completely shut out of the contest.
It took him until almost six minutes into the third quarter to get his first kick for the night – a set shot from directly in front for one of the simplest goals of his career, and only one for the night to finish with just two kicks and one mark.
Backline stars Darcy Wilmott, Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews were strong at the back, combining for 28 marks to help deprived King of any genuine possession, who had punted 23 goals in his six outings until Sunday night.
Jack Payne, however, was largely responsible for keeping King at bay, with Lions coach Chris Fagan praising his ability to “make it hard” for King to get his hands on the Sherrin.
Fellow Suns star Matt Rowell was also kept quiet, limited to just 16 disposals and one clearance – having also been well contained by Sydney last week having averaged roughly 28 touches heading into that win against the Swans.
“I sit there and go he’s too honest, he needs to be looked after more. Brisbane did an outstanding job on him, but he doesn’t get enough protection as a ball player. They target him … he needs some help.”
Damien Hardwick on Matt Rowell
Weller agony continues
Lachie Weller has already endured a tumultuous time on the injury front, and now the Suns star is expected to be sidelined again for an extended period.
The midfield gun cut a forlorn figure on the sideline when the second half resumed, having already suffered a frustrating run which has included two ruptured ACLs.
Weller had only managed two disposals and a clearance before leaving the field, with Hardwick admitting he would likely be out of action for a period.
“It’s a hamstring, how significant we’re not too sure. We’ll get that scanned in te next coupe of days, but when you don’t finish the game … he won’t play probably for the next couple of weeks.”
Damien Hardwick
Lions forward Sam Day has also suffered a hamstring injury, with Fagan saying he remained uncertain on the extent of the setback but admitting it was likely he would spend time in the casualty ward.
Scheduling conflict
This had been set up as the best and most enthralling QClash in the game’s history. So, could we not have ensured it did not fight with a rival code’s biggest weekend for viewership?
Matt Rowell, of the Suns, is pressured by the defence of Lachie Neale.Credit: Getty Images
The fact tonight’s war took place on the same night as the NRL’s Magic Round, ironically on the same day as the Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos took to the Suncorp Stadium turf – albeit earlier than the Lions’ triumph – was the last thing sporting fans need.
Sure, there’s the argument that few fans of the respective sports would attend the opposite fixtures, but the QClash and Magic Round concepts are defining moments in the calendars which even the most blasé of pundits can get behind.
There have been reports suggesting concern out of rugby league circles about the inroads Aussie rules is making in the western corridor of the state – regions such as Ipswich and Toowoomba which have traditionally been NRL heartland.
However, both sports have proven they can thrive simultaneously, with each reporting strong periods of growth by the end of 2024 when it came down to grassroots participation across Queensland.
They can each succeed on their own merits.
Fortunately, the Gabba was still surging, and while it made for an almighty night of sport in Brisbane, these spectacles deserved their own standing and imprint on the city.
