Brisbane Lions’ 53-point semi-final win over Adelaide was driven by a forceful response from the small forwards singled out by coach Chris Fagan after last week’s collapse against Sydney.
Cam Rayner, Charlie Cameron, Kai Lohmann and Zac Bailey had all failed to score in that defeat, prompting Fagan to deliver what Rayner described as a “nasty” week of criticism. The quartet answered with 12 goals between them as Brisbane overwhelmed the Crows at the Gabba.
“This is the first time this year where it was a pretty fierce week,” Fagan said. “They hardly contributed in that game, our talls were actually all OK, and our small forwards didn’t get on the scoreboard.”
Lohmann set the tone by scoring after just 29 seconds, beginning a burst of five unanswered goals in the opening seven minutes. He added another early in the third quarter and finished with 18 disposals.
Cameron produced his best scoring return since round 10, 2024, kicking five goals, while Rayner contributed two goals and three assists. Bailey was also influential, finishing with three goals, 23 disposals, three clearances and three assists.
Brisbane Lions find answers after Sydney setback
Bailey’s display came days after he agreed to an eight-year contract extension that will keep him at Brisbane until the end of 2034. The midfielder had reportedly attracted a $10 million offer from Adelaide before committing to remain with the Lions.
Brisbane briefly appeared vulnerable when the Crows responded with four successive goals, including two from Darcy Fogarty, reducing a 31-point deficit to less than two goals. The Lions regained control around half-time, however, and put together the next seven goals.
The victory was achieved without dominant performances from Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage, who were restricted to 21 and 16 disposals respectively. McCluggage still kicked two goals, underlining the variety in Brisbane’s attack.
Fagan rejected any suggestion that his players should already be thinking about a third consecutive premiership. “It’ll be one step at a time for us,” he said, after admitting the team had looked too far ahead before the loss to Sydney.
Adelaide’s Taylor Walker kicked the final two goals of his career in the defeat before retiring. Crows coach Matthew Nicks said the former captain would remain involved with the club in some capacity.
Nicks also insisted he remained the right man to lead Adelaide despite questions over his position. “There are no guarantees in footy, but I’m confident of where we’re at,” he said. “I do [think I can take us to a premiership], and I think I’ve got the right support around [me].”
