The elite youngster was great form from the opening bounce through to the final siren, working tirelessly through the midfield and managing to sneak inside-50 to notch two-goals.
Jacob Gillbee continued his impressive return to footy, least years GC SUNS NEAFL player of the year dominating against the Lion’s back-six, Gillbee walking from the field with four goals to his name.
Despite a number of late personnel changes, the coach Shaun Harts side looked dangerous early against the defending NEAFL champions, kicking a goal in the opening minutes of the first term to open the scoring.
With a side boasting a number of proven AFL performers, Brisbane were able to quickly returned fire and dominated the opening period, taking a 13-point lead into the break.
In front of a crowd of more than 3000, the Lions continued took control of the contest at the resumption of play, and while the Gold Coasters piled on a four goal final quarter blitz, the damage on the scoreboard had already been done with the Lions securing victory and continuing their undefeated start to the 2013 season.
Speaking at the NEAFL player’s recovery session, ruckman Tom Nicholls told goldcoastfc.com.au Lonergan was outstanding through the middle of the ground, with many of the SUNS player’s able to see the level of intensity and effort needed to win the contested possession.
“Jesse was fantastic, and provided a great spark through the midfield,” Nicholls said.
“He certainly was an added bonus for the side, and gave us a lot more run and carry across the ground – something we didn’t have against them (Lions) when we played at Metricon Stadium a couple of weeks ago.”
NEAFL coach Shaun Hart believes it’s only a matter of time before Lonergan finds himself in the mix for senior selection, after showing the SUNS coaching staff he hadn’t skipped a beat since his superb pre-season campaign through the NAB Cup.
“Jesse was superb for us out there yesterday and finished among our best players in just his first game back from injury,” said Hart.
“He was an absolute workhorse through the centre clearances, and while he will probably need to play a few more consistent games of footy through the NEAFL, I have no doubt that he’ll do just that.”
For Lonergan, the ANZAC clash was great opportunity to taste competitive footy and test out his rehabilitated hand that he injured during club’s final pre-season practise match against Melbourne.
“The body’s feeling really good, I didn’t pull up too sore and the hand’s feeling great,” said Lonergan.
“I’m looking forward to getting another hit-out next week, building up my fitness, and hopefully pushing closer to being in the mix for another call-up to the seniors.”
FINAL SCORE:
GC SUNS Reserves: 12.7 - 79
Brisbane Lions Reserves: 17.9 - 111
Goal Kickers:
J. Gillbee 4, J. Lonergan 2, D. Gorringe 2, A. Wade , J. Martin , J. Chiswell , J. Allen
Best Players:
J. Lonergan, D. Gorringe, J. Gillbee, J. Allen, T. Nicholls, J. Martin
