'Never seen a final like it': Lions produce shock comeback after 44-point deficit to knock GWS out
Updated . First published at
The Brisbane Lions have pulled off one of the most memorable finals comebacks in recent memory.
Heading into the final quarter, the Giants led 14.8 (92) - 9.13 (67) and the first goal went to Toby Greene as GWS surged ahead.
But then, the Lions produced the unthinkable.
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Callum Ah Chee celebrates the Lions' win. Getty
Eric Hipwood, Charlie Cameron, Dayne Zorko and Jaspa Fletcher all kicked goals to make it four in a row for the Lions.
With four minutes left, GWS were pinned for putting the ball out of bounds deliberately and Joe Daniher slotted a goal from the sideline to put his side only one-point behind.
One minute later, Daniher beat Sam Taylor one-on-one to take a mark at a slight angle.
The full forward made no mistake and slotted the goal. Brisbane then held on for a 15.15 (105) - 15.10 (100) victory.
"Unbelievable, best win I've been apart of for sure," Lions star Hugh McCluggage told 7.
The Giants kicked the first goal of the match through Aaron Cadman and held a 5.3 (33) - 3.5 (23) lead at the first quarter. GWS also suffered a blow with Stephen Coniglio subbed out with a cheekbone injury.
GWS held an 8.7 (55) - 4.10 (34) lead at half-time and halfway during the third quarter they led by 44 points.
Brisbane then kicked five unanswered goals to stay in the contest which left GWS coach Adam Kingsley fuming, with cameras capturing him blowing up on the phone.
Despite the fightback, GWS still managed to lead by 25 points heading into the final quarter.
After Greene's early goal it was all the Lions from there, pulling off what one of the great comebacks.
Joe Daniher after his winning goal. Fox Footy
"It's extraordinary ... it was high scoring, it was free flowing ... this is huge," Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.
"I've never seen a final like it. They were just out on the canvas, picked apart tactically ... they won't recover from this for a long, long time (GWS)," David King added.
Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan couldn't have done much more for the Giants, kicking five goals while Tom Green had 33 disposals.
Daniher finished with four goals for the Lions and his side will now prepare for a preliminary final against Geelong next weekend.
