On a sun-drenched afternoon at the Gabba, the Brisbane Lions unveiled their 2024 premiership flag, but the festivities were dampened by a fierce challenge from the West Coast Eagles. The match, held on March 23, 2025, kicked off with the Lions seeking to maintain their undefeated start in the new AFL season, but the Eagles had other plans, displaying tenacity and skill right from the first bounce.
As the game commenced, it was clear that the Eagles were determined to bounce back from a recent 87-point loss in their previous outing against the Gold Coast Suns. The Lions were starting in a strong position after defeating the Sydney Swans in their season opener, but without key players like Brandon Starcevich and Kai Lohmann, who were sidelined due to injury, they faced an uphill battle.
The first quarter was dominated by the Eagles, as young player Tyrell Dewar caught attention with his impressive performance, scoring two goals and showcasing his potential early on. Despite being outperformed in their initial match against the Swans, the Eagles quickly gained momentum at the Gabba, leading 5.2 (32) to Brisbane's 1.2 (8) at quarter time.
Amidst the quick pace of the game, Dayne Zorko, a Lions leader, was visibly animated, showing his frustration as the team struggled to find their rhythm. After quarter time, he was seen speaking intensely with teammates Harris Andrews and Josh Dunkley. Zorko noted, "I have no idea why they thought they could get away with it," referring to the sweltering conditions of the 28°C heat, which several players and commentators criticized as unsuitable for footy.
With the Eagles maintaining their lead, players like Liam Ryan began making significant contributions. Ryan kicked his third goal of the match to put the Eagles up by an impressive 24 points. As the second quarter progressed, the Lions managed to claw back a bit, with Lachie Neale stepping up his game to score a goal from a scrum as his teammates responded to the pressure.
A critical moment came when the Lions finally got on the scoreboard via Morris Logan, who executed a beautiful kick following a wide pass from Callum Ah Chee. The Eagles answered with goals from Jamie Cripps and Clay Hall, maintaining a firm grip on the match and showcasing their capability for counterattacks.
As half-time approached, the score showed West Coast leading 8.3 (51) to 4.3 (27). The statistical leaders of the first half included Liam Baker from the Eagles, who recorded 18 disposals, and Lachie Neale, who managed 16 and a goal for Brisbane. This performance reflected a tension-filled match filled with combative encounters and transitional play.
The third quarter brought heightened expectations, the Lions eager to fight back at home. With another goal from Zac Bailey following a sensational pass from Neale, they narrowed the gap to 18 points. However, the Eagles responded repeatedly to every advance, consolidating their position with goals from Ryan and Dewar.
Meanwhile, the match was mixed with promising signs for both teams, particularly as Fremantle was set to square off against Sydney later that day, a game both teams needed to avoid early season troubles. Waves of praise surfaced from the commentary team about how the players adapted to the ample heat, thanks to the newly enacted AFL heat policy, which allowed for extended breaks and extra hydration time.
West Coast's strategy paid off as they strategically capitalized on their momentum after half-time. Players like Tim Kelly, who significantly contributed to maintaining ball control, helped to create opportunities for scoring. The final quarter approached with the teams battling hard for every advantage; tensions ran high, and players were visibly fatigued from the scorching heat, evident through their movements and play.
Finally, as the clock wound down, the score read Brisbane Lions 47 to West Coast Eagles 55, reflective of a fierce contest where West Coast shone prominently despite their recent past struggles. Dayne Zorko, who had clamored for his team to advance, notably expressed disappointment yet hope, affirming this competitive nature would serve them well going forward.
Brisbane’s Eric Hipwood managed to score a vital goal, and with players adjusting their strategies to tackle the heat and fatigue, it proved to be a thrilling and tightly contested game that tickled fans' anticipation for an exciting season. Now both teams must refocus as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, eager to sew up victories in an increasingly competitive round.
This clash not only showcased the physical endurance of the players but also the resilience these teams bring into the new season. Certainly, Sunday delivered promising drama for AFL fans.
