Lions Academy Makes A Clean Sweep

The Brisbane Lions Under 18 Academy completed a clean sweep of victories against the Gold Coast SUNS Under 18 Academy, winning the final selection trial game at Fankhauser Reserve Southport, on Saturday by 13 points.

The contest was tight all day with the SUNS jumping out to a 23 point lead kicking with a slight breeze in the 1^st quarter.

Gold Coast’s Andrew Boston was everywhere in this first stanza and received good support from ruckman Kieran Brennan and onballer Tyler Jones.

However, a hamstring injury to Daniel Vanderwerken took the gloss off a very good start by the SUNS.

 The second quarter saw the Lions work their way back into the game with James Ives, Sam Gribble and Rhys Power winning the ball in the midfield and Jordan Bain together with Aliir Aliir looking dangerous up forward.

The Lions went into the half-time break 5 points ahead.

Inaccuracy by the Suns in the third quarter saw the Lions sneak 8 points clear at the last change.

Despite two early goals to the SUNS by Jarred Ellis and Brody Haberfield the Lions defence proved too strong.  

Superbly led by Michael Wyld and Aden Rutledge, the Lions defensive pressure allowed them to extend their margin to 13 points by the final siren.

Queensland Scorpions Coach Ray Windsor spoke to both teams after the game congratulating the players on their commitment to the program and outlining the path that lies ahead for selection in the Queensland Scorpions Under 18 team.

Windsor heaped praise on the coaching and management staff at both academies.

 Academy managers Luke Curran and Andrew Johnston and the Coaches Scott Borlace and Jason Torney were particularly praised for their hard work.

The Queensland Scorpions Under 18 team for 2012 will be announced this Wednesday 4 April