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Posted:
2023-09-23 06:02:04
Original link:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-23/afl-preliminary-final-brisbane-vs-carlton/102875098
The Brisbane Lions are into the AFL grand final for the first time in 19 years after a 16-point win over Carlton in their preliminary final at the Gabba.
The Lions dominated the second and third terms, then withstood a late charge from the Blues to win by 11.13 (79) to 9.9 (63).
Brisbane will face Collingwood in next Saturday's grand final, after the Magpies beat GWS by a point in the other preliminary final.
Chris Fagan's men were put under huge pressure early on, as the visitors produced a scintillating start, kicking five goals to one in the opening quarter, down by 30 points at one stage.
A big contingent of Blues fans at the Gabba was making it feel like a Carlton home game.
But the match turned, with the Lions finding their feet and kicking 10 goals to four after quarter time.
Brisbane's resurgence began as the Lions started to dominate through the middle and produce repeat inside 50s.
It was Carlton's defence under pressure as the Lions kicked five for the quarter to hit the front.
The home fans got louder in the third term as the Lions kicked three unanswered goals while the Blues failed to make a dent.
Brisbane extended the lead to 28 points in the final term, but goals to Patrick Cripps and Harry McKay gave life to the Blues' campaign.
There were 16 points in it with eight minutes left and it was a nervous finale for Brisbane, but Darcy Gardiner kicked the sealer to give his side their most important win of the season.
The Lions' win sets up a repeat of the 2002 and 2003 grand finals, where Brisbane beat Collingwood on both occasions as part of their three premierships in a row.
Brisbane's last grand final was in 2004, where they were defeated by Port Adelaide.
Look back on how the action unfolded in our blog.
That's where we'll leave the blog
Preliminary final weekend is over, and we have our grand finalists.
Collingwood will play Brisbane at the MCG next Saturday afternoon for the premiership. It's 2002 and 2003 all over again, and I couldn't be more pumped for it.
It's been a long time coming for the Lions, and there has been some heartbreak along the way, but it will all be worthwhile once they run out on to the 'G next week. And even moreso if they end up bringing the cup back home to Brisbane.
That's it from me for tonight, but the blog will be back on Monday night for the Brownlow Medal, and then of course for the big one next weekend.
It's going to be a massive grand final week at ABC Sport, and we can't wait to share it with you. See you next time.
Carlton's 2023 story ends here
But for Blues fans, it's been one hell of a ride. From some serious depths at the halfway mark of the season to within three goals of a grand final, this resurgence has been a credit to Michael Voss and his team.
They looked a little tired and a little sore by the end tonight, but that first quarter ambush showed how good they can be. They should be better again next year too.
To borrow an old marketing phrase, the Blues are coming.
Lachie Neale is headed back to the grand final stage
Neale was the sub for Fremantle back in 2013, when they lost the grand final to Hawthorn.
A decade later, Lachie is all grown up and one of the very best players in the league. Could he be lifting the premiership cup next Saturday?
Neale spoke to Channel Seven after the game:
"Carlton, they've had an unbelievable run and they came and punched us in the face.
"To our credit, the second quarter we responded really well and got ourselves back in the game and the second half we played our brand of footy. We got back on top in the end but it was a grind.
"It's been a long time coming and I'm so proud of our group. We've come from nowhere, six or seven years ago and been a challenger for a while.
"Now we've given ourselves a shot at cup the next week which is awesome."
Keidean Coleman — a star is born
Best afield tonight in my books. It was his offensive drive that ignited the Lions in the second quarter, and he defended incredibly well all night too.
Coleman had 21 disposals, took 10 marks, stuck four tackles and gained 627 metres for his team.
Incredible performance.
The moment Lions fans have been waiting 19 years for
FT: The Lions win by 16 points! Brisbane will play in the grand final!
And so it will be the two best teams all season meeting on the last day of September.
After a shock to the system in the first quarter, Brisbane refocused and responded admirably against a Carlton side playing with freedom and ferocity.
From the first change onwards, the Lions owned the night. The midfield turned the tide around the ball, and the skill off half-back from Kidean Coleman and Conor McKenna started to energise their attacking play.
Carlton fought bravely, but found it tough to score after quarter time. A 16-point margin speaks to the Blues' desperation, as a lesser side would have been blown away by the Lions tonight.
It's Collingwood and Brisbane in the 2023 grand final. What a sensational result for footy.
1': Jack Martin kicks the goal, but it won't spoil the Brisbane party
It looks like a 16 point winning margin then.
Seven seconds until that final siren sounds.
1': Jack Martin marks and can take a shot on goal
A consolation goal on offer for Martin.
1': Less than a minute to play
The Gabba is ready to erupt.
3': Cottrell misses
Lions get the ball back with 2:19 to kill.
3': Matt Cottrell marks inside 50
He has to kick a goal in about 10 seconds here.
2': McCarthy goals! The Lions will play in the grand final!
Book your tickets, Lions fans! The MCG awaits!
4': Lincoln McCarthy marks on the goal line!
Darcy Gardiner was running off to celebrate a rare goal, only for McCarthy to snatch his moment!
But it will take some more time off the clock, and then this goal will seal Brisbane's win ...
4': McCluggage, for a spot in the grand final ... post!
Another poster! The third of the quarter.
Time really against Carlton now though.
6': Darcy Wilmot with the big intercept mark!
And now the Lions will take some heat out of the game. They're a couple of minutes — or one goal of their own — from killing this off.
7': The Lions are holding off a Carlton charge
This is the best period of consistent pressure the Blues have enjoyed since the first quarter, but the Lions are holding on.
Six minutes to play, Blues need three goals.
Update
9': Harry McKay has kicked it! They couldn't?
9': Harry McKay takes the mark!
Now then! If he kicks this, it's back to 16 points with plenty of time.
The big Blues are lifting — Newman, to Cripps, to Walsh, to McKay.