The Brisbane Lions’ 2024 Smithy’s VFL season came to a close on Saturday when they were defeated by Werribee in the Preliminary Final.
Facing Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval, the Lions encountered a formidable opponent who had lost only one game since Round 5.
Despite challenging conditions, the Lions managed to control much of the play during the first and third quarters while kicking with the breeze. However, their inability to convert dominance into goals—scoring 4 goals and 10 behinds in both quarters—hampered their chances.
Werribee took advantage of the wind in the final quarter, finishing with a score of 10.6 (66) to the Lions’ 6.10 (46).
The game began with a promising start for the Lions as Academy product Liam Hude kicked the opening goal, giving them an early lead. Werribee quickly responded with a goal of their own.
The Lions struggled with accuracy in the first term, registering three minor scores before Luke Lloyd settled the team, leading by eight points at the first break.
The battle was heating up in the midfield with two fancies for the J.J Liston Trophy, Jarryd Lyons and Werribee’s Dom Brew going head-to-head.
Lyons finished with 28 touches, nine clearances and eight tackles to be one of Brisbane’s best on the day.
Joining him was Deven Robertson who fought hard all day, gathering 24 disposals but made a whopping game-high of 16 tackles.
Kicking against a strong breeze in the second, the Lions made it a contested battle, Werribee were able to get forward of centre and boot two goals.
Will McLachlan ensured the Lions were close at the half-time break kicking truly to trail by only one-point at the half.
Henry Smith was a standout in the ruck, up against some stiff competition he toiled hard all day winning 53 hitouts, eight clearance and affecting 13 tackles in an all-round performance.
The third term belonged to the Lions but they rued missed opportunities in front of goal as the wind played havoc.
Brandon Ryan gave the Lions an ideal start after the break, but despite dominating possession and inside 50 entries, Werribee’s defense only allowed two rushed behinds before scoring a goal of their own.
Ty Gallop, making his VFL debut and representing the Lions Academy, scored his first state-level goal in a commendable performance and put up a tough fight throughout the match.
Werribee managed to stay within reach by adding four behinds in the third quarter, ending with an 11-point lead as they headed into the final term.
The Lions fell behind early in the last quarter after Werribee scored two goals within the first 10 minutes. Although Liam Hude’s second goal helped the Lions keep pace, Werribee soon took control.
The Tigers scored the last three goals of the game, securing a 20-point victory and eliminating the Lions for the second consecutive year.
Bruce Reville had a standout performance, primarily in the midfield, with 18 possessions and 14 tackles.
Despite the loss, the Lions reached their third consecutive Preliminary Final, showcasing the strength of the club’s VFL program in coach Ben Hudson’s second season.
Final Score
Werribee 66 def Brisbane 46
Goals: Hude 2, Ryan, McLachlan, Lloyd, Gallop
Best: Lyons, Robertson, Reville, Tunstill, Prior, Smith
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