Lance Franklin wound back the clock at the SCG, kicking six second-half goals, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Brisbane Lions from recording a 24-point victory over the Sydney Swans.
After a tight opening term where just two goals were scored, the Lions had all the momentum in the second quarter kicking six goals to Sydney’s one, before running out 17. 11. (113) to 13. 11. (89) winners. The win was Brisbane’s first at the SCG since 2009.
Lions’ recruit Darcy Fort ventured into new territory with his second quarter major – setting a record as the most accurate player to begin their career with 12 straight goals.
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With the Swans trailing by 27 points at half time, Franklin turned the match on its head in the third as he booted four stunning goals in a matter of minutes.
“This is the hottest man on the ground right now, no doubt about it,” Franklin’s ex-Hawks teammate Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy’s coverage.
“You can see he’s pumped up. He’s still a marvel.”
Off the back of Franklin’s heroics, Sydney drew to within three points before star midfielder Lachie Neale, who finished the match with 37 disposals, steadied things for Brisbane with a crucial goal to stop the Swans’ avalanche.
Neale’s quick snap triggered a run of four-straight goals for the Lions, extinguishing any momentum that was gained by the Swans.
Moving into the competition’s top four, the victory was only soured for the Lions by injuries to star forward Joe Daniher and young midfielder Jaxon Prior.
Daniher was subbed out of the game at half time with a shoulder complaint after coming to the bench cradling his arm midway through the second quarter.
The big man had his shoulder re-strapped and tried to return, but ultimately he was removed from the game as a precaution.
Brisbane’s win allowed it to retain the second spot on the ladder, trailing only the undefeated reigning premiers, Melbourne. Sydney dropped out of the top four, and currently sits fifth ahead of Carlton, Geelong and Collingwood, who round out the top eight.
The Swans will aim to get back on the winners’ list in round eight when they host the Gold Coast Suns, while Brisbane will host the struggling West Coast Eagles at the Gabba.