What the hell just happened?
44 points down on the road, with the Giants looking like they were in the process of booking their place against the Cats in the Pre,iminary Final… di the Lions just pull off another miracle?
Or maybe they just finally showed up after a lacklustre first half?
This game should have been over – I am sure there were many who thought it was. The Lions have had their miracle on grass, but put this one right alongside it in terms of monumental wins – it might have even surpassed it, especially if they’re able to build on it and launch an assault on the flag from here.
You think about it – Dayne Zorko was being punished by James Peatling and was in danger of losing his cool. Toby Bedford was clamping down on Lachie Neale and preventing him from playing his natiral game. Jesse Hogan was monstering Jack Payne and marking everything that came his way.
All signs pointed toward GWS running out winners. The scoreboard was pointing that way, as well. The momentum was all charcoal and orange.
And yet, it is the Lions somehow advancing.
It was a crazy result, with Joe Daniher providing a focal point to finish off the work of his team and take the lead with a couple of minutes remaining. But it was the tenacity of Will Ashcroft, whose move into the middle gave the Lions a huge lift, the second half effort of Jarrod Berry, and the composure of Hugh McCluggage that made the big differences.
The Lions got out of jail, here, but the safe play of the Giants in the final quarter left the keys in the lock for them. How many times have we seen teams try to play safe footy and completely blow it? Add another one to the list with this game.
Time to jump into The Mongrel’s Big Statements – the most comprehensive review you’ll read.
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