The SUNS fell just shy of victory on Sunday, falling 14.9 (97) to 14.11 (95), as the Brisbane Lions clinched a dramatic two-point win with a heart-stopping goal at the 31-minute mark of the final quarter.

The QClash got off to a fiery start, with the SUNS slotting three goals from four shots in the opening seven minutes.

Wasting no time, Sam Clohesy set the tone with a goal just 30 seconds in, while leading goalkicker Elliott Himmelberg made his mark early, kicking two of his four majors in what was a SUNS’ dominant first quarter.

Despite the SUNS carrying a two-goal advantage into quarter-time, the Lions roared back in the second term to lead by 18 points at half-time. 

After a familiar half-time recalibration, the SUNS surged in the third quarter, booting five goals, including two from Himmelberg and one apiece from Brayden Fiorini, Alex Sexton & Ned Moyle, to level the scores at 11.7 (73) at the final change.

In a nail-biting final quarter, the QClash see-sawed right through to the siren. 

Efforts from Malcolm Rosas (1.3) and Ben Jepson (one goal) saw the SUNS lead by four points with just minutes to go before Brisbane snagged a heartbreaking goal and edged in front by two points. 

Fiorini delivered another stellar performance in the midfield, tallying a staggering 47 disposals, three goals and 11 tackles.

With a scheduled bye next week, the SUNS finally return to People First Stadium in Round 8 to take on the Box Hill Hawks. First bounce is at 11:05am on Saturday, May 17. Stream all the action via the official VFL & AFL apps and websites.

BRISBANE LIONS

3.3 (21)

9.5 (59)

11.7 (73)

14.11 (95)

GOLD COAST SUNS

5.3 (33)

6.5 (41)

11.7 (73)

14.9 (97)

 

GOALS:

BRISBANE LIONS: Jack Manly 3, Harrison Arnold 3, James Tunstill 2, Ty Gallop 2, Ben Thomas 1, Brandon Ryan 1, Charlie Offermans 1, Darcy Craven 1

GOLD COAST SUNS: Elliott Himmelberg 4, Brayden Fiorini 3, Alex Sexton 1, Malcolm Rosas 1, Ned Moyle 1, Max Knobel 1, Ben Jepson 1, Hugh Greenwood 1, Sam Clohesy 1