THE BRISBANE Lions have kicked away in the final quarter to win their fifth straight QClash with a 33-point win over the Gold Coast SUNS at the Gabba.
 
After Gold Coast moved to within six points late in the third term, the Lions kicked six of the last eight goals to run out comfortable 17.14 (116) to 12.11 (83) winners.
 
It was their second barnstorming finish in three matches after a 52-point comeback victory against Geelong 13 days ago.
 
This win was a lot less dramatic, but just as effective and moved them level with the SUNS on the ladder with a 5-9 win-loss record.
 
Gold Coast SUNS product Dayne Zorko was instrumental, kicking three goals, including a crucial steadier in the third quarter and a great right foot snap to break the SUNS spirit in the last.
 
He was well held by Joel Wilkinson for much of the night, but was clinical with his few chances.
 
The Lions tall forwards also had a good day, with the trio of Jonathan Brown (three goals), Brent Staker (three) – moved forward permanently in the second half – and Daniel Merrett (two), all significant contributors.
 
It is the SUNS fifth loss in six matches and was again riddled with errors going forward.
 
They matched the Lions in disposals, clearances and contested possessions, but were often out-worked.
 
With Brownlow medallists Gary Ablett (calf) and Simon Black (groin) absent, the match was always going to lack a little polish, but both teams cracked in.
 
Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger was named best afield and winner of the Marcus Ashcroft Medal with his 20 disposals, 29 hit-outs and six tackles.
 
There was hints of niggle but nothing boiled over.
 
Zorko gave Wilkinson a big bump and even bigger verbal spray after his first goal, while Campbell Brown and Ash McGrath got into a third quarter wrestle.
 
Brown, captain in his 200th game, roughed up McGrath and the Lion retaliated with a shove in the face that cost his team a free kick and goal.
 
Jared Brennan, recalled with Ablett's match-eve withdrawal, was again prominent against his former club, racking up 21 disposals and kicking three goals.

Lion Brent Moloney finished the match on the bench after being subbed out with a calf complaint in the third quarter while SUNS Sam Day was also subbed out with groin soreness.

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BRISBANE LIONS         3.8    8.9    12.12    17.14   (116) 
GOLD COAST                 2.6   5.10   10.10    12.11   (83)

GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Brown 3, Zorko 3, Staker 3, Merrett 2, Hanley, Bewick, Mayes, Green, Rich, Raines
Gold Coast: Brennan 3, Brown 2, Bennell 2, Hall, Harbrow, Shaw, May, O’Meara

BEST
Brisbane Lions: Hanley, Leuenberger, Mayes, Brown, Staker, Adcock, Zorko
Gold Coast: Bennell, McKenzie, Brennan, Shaw, Stanley

INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Moloney (calf)
Gold Coast: None

SUBSTITUTES
Brisbane Lions: Ryan Lester on for Brent Moloney (calf) during the third quarter.
Gold Coast: Andrew Boston on for Sam Day during the third quarter.

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Findlay, Foot, Jeffery

Crowd: 27,170 at the Gabba