AFL pre-season results 2024 Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns live updates, score, stats, how to watch, stream, match simulation, news
After a dominant first four periods, Brisbane held off a fast-finishing Gold Coast to win by one point in the pre-season QClash as the Suns started the Damien Hardwick era in defeat, 18.19 (127) to 18.18 (126).
Led by five goals from Charlie Cameron, the Lions were the far superior side during the first four terms – predominately contested by AFL players – to show they’re again primed to contend for the flag in 2024.
However Gold Coast’s inexperienced side nearly pulled off a shock comeback in the final two periods – and even took the lead late in the sixth period – in large behind a five-goal display from Levi Casboult.
VFL Lion Liam Hude had the final say though, receiving a 50m penalty and kicking a goal at the death to win the game for Brisbane.
The only place to watch every game of the AFL Pre-Season live is Fox Footy, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
MATCH UPDATES
Both clubs had made several clear role changes and tweaks – Brisbane started Darcy Gardiner up forward and Cam Rayner out of the square, while Gold Coast had Alex Sexton running off half back and David Swallow deep in defence.
Lions star livewire Charlie Cameron picked up right where he left off in 2023 with Brisbane’s opening three goals of the match.
“He’s impressive isn’t he? The last place you want to be as a small defender is one-on-one with Charlie Cameron inside 50,” former Lion and Port Adelaide player Tom Rockliff told Fox Footy.
Eric Hipwood had the Lions’ other two goals in a dominant start as Chris Fagan’s side – which was reportedly kicking with a breeze – raced out to an early 23-point lead.
Brisbane led by 20 points at the end of the first period, 5.2 (33) to 2.1 (13).
Commentator Brett Thomas noted on Fox Footy Hardwick “looked pretty fired up” at the first change, with the Suns boss opting to take the coaching reins in his first unofficial game in charge, while Lions head of development James Borlace was leading Brisbane.
Cameron kicked a fourth goal eight minutes into the second period – then his fifth after receiving a dubious free kick for holding the ball.
Thomas said gun small forward was “on fire”, while Rockliff said Cameron was “off to a blistering start in 2024.”
Thomas added: “Welcome back to coaching Damien Hardwick. Barely a quarter and a half in and his side is four goals down and Charlie Cameron had five (goals). Is it too early for a half-time spray?”
Brisbane led by 30 points after two periods, 10.3 (63) to 5.3 (33).
It became a scrappier third team and more slippery deck in Springfield where both sides could only add one goal to their accounts through the first 20 minutes.
Suns Academy draftee Ethan Read had a nice moment with a classy first disposal to showcase his talent and raw skill for a 202cm player.
Brisbane led by 32 points at the end of the third period, 11.8 (74) to 6.6 (42).
Cameron combined with Hipwood deep in the Lions’ forward 50 for the key forward’s third goal of the game as Brisbane extended its lead.
Lincoln McCarthy and new Lion Samson Ryan both kicked highlight goals in the fourth period – one of two majors in the term for McCarthy – as Brisbane’s lead on the scoreboard continued to grow.
The Lions led 15.12 (102) to 8.7 (55) at the end of the fourth period.
As both sides started to introduce their younger/VFL players into the contest, Gold Coast was able to chip away at the scoreboard including Levi Casboult impacting up forward to press his claim for a Round 1 berth.
The Suns had the majority of the inside 50s in the fifth period, but couldn’t quite capitalise on their dominance.
Brisbane led 16.17 (113) to 12.13 (85) at the last change.
Callum Ah Chee, who’d impressed playing as an inside midfielder, came from the field in the sixth period with what appeared to be an ankle concern. Soon after, Jack Mahony went down with a lower leg injury.
Just like the fifth period, it was all Gold Coast in the sixth period, with Casboult leading the charge in a dominant display up forward to well and truly put his name in the mix for Opening Round.
Ben Long put the Suns ahead at the 26th minute mark of the sixth period, only for Brisbane to strike back at the other end through Liam Hude after receiving a 50m penalty as it hung on to win.
The 3-2-1 (pre-season takeaways) …
3. CHARLIE, LIONS (STILL) OMINOUS
As much as things change over the off-season, they stay the same.
Charlie Cameron exploded with five goals in one and a half quarters to lead the ominous Lions in a dominant performance over Gold Coast to show they’re primed to again contend for the flag in 2024.
Indeed, despite some typical February rust, Brisbane looked like it hadn’t missed a beat since the grand final, with its forward line firing on all cylinders including strong cameos from Eric Hipwood (three goals) and Lincoln McCarthy (two).
Despite Lions head of development James Borlace taking over the coaching reigns from Chris Fagan on the night, the Lions were at their overwhelming best to virtually put the game out of reach by half-time before it turned into a scrappy contest on the slippery Springfield deck.
And yes, the Suns fought back late, but Brisbane had quite literally put the cue in the rack – with the younger/VFL players on the field when Gold Coast mounted its charge.
“(The Lions have) just got to continue on their path, their system is really strong and stacks up in September,” former Brisbane and Power star Tom Rockliff said on Fox Footy
“They were a kick away from potentially winning a premiership.
“They were really impressive in their first hit-out against genuine opposition.”
2. TALE OF TWO HALVES IN DIMMA’S RETURN … BUT ONE MAIN LESSON
It was a tale of two halves in Damien Hardwick’s return to the coaches box as the Suns looked a class below the far more superior Lions over four periods … before nearly snatching victory late.
As impressive as Gold Coast’s lesser names were in those late stages to nearly drive the team home, the first four four periods were more telling given it’s when the AFL players were in combat.
And so it was a reminder of the big task ahead for Hardwick and company and how much ground the Suns still have to make up on the best teams – even if it was just a a practice match – despite optimism surrounding the club heading into 2024.
Outside of Gold Coast’s late run, it wasn’t all bad, with Sam Flanders, Connor Budarick, Bailey Humphrey and Levi Casboult among the most impressive Suns on the night. Casboult in particular was a standout, kicking five goals in the final two periods to stake his claim for an Opening Round spot.
To no surprise, Hardwick, unlike some other senior coaches, was in charge of the Suns against Brisbane as he looks to stamp his influence on his side as quickly as he can.
The three-time premiership coach even looked “fired up” – according to Fox Footy commentator Brett Thomas – at the end of the first period when his side trailed by several goals.
It was hard to pinpoint too many Suns changes under Hardwick, which, in part was due to it being such scrappy affair. Rockliff noted Gold Coast appeared to play more a controlled brand out of the defensive half, with Alex Sexton switching to a halfback role.
“It was a tough night … they want to shift the ball a little bit different across half back, we’ve seen Sexton come in there,” Rockliff said on Fox Footy.
“They certainly looked to control the footy coming out of their back half, but they need to still get speed in the game and give their young key forwards an opportunity.
“(Bailey) Humphrey was really impressive, he took his opportunities when they came.”
1. LIONS EXPERIMENT WITH ROLE CHANGES
On a night Borlace took over the coaching reins, it wasn’t the only experimenting Brisbane was doing.
Playing exclusively in the midfield, Cam Rayner was a standout, while Darcy Gardiner, after training as a forward all pre-season, featured in attack against the Suns.
With the likes of Lachie Neale, Jarrod Berry and Deven Robertson missing, Rayner got extended run on the ball and made it count as a spark plug in the clenches.
As for Gardiner, he’s suddenly more needed up forward for Chris Fagan’s team following the arrival of ace defender Tom Doedee, who’s still recovering from an ACL injury, plus the departures of Dan McStay and Jack Gunston over the last two years.
Exactly how the Lions will line up in Opening Round – and when they’re at full strength – remains to be seen, but Thursday night’s game at least gave Fagan something to think about.
“He’s been quite impressive,” Rockliff said of Gardiner.
“Whether he finds a way into the round 1 team is another thing. But you couldn’t knock him at all with what he’s been able to produce in a quarter and a half.”
LIONS SQUAD
1. Kai Lohmann, 3. Joe Daniher, 4. Callum Ah Chee, 5. Josh Dunkley, 6. Hugh McCluggage, 11. Lincoln McCarthy, 14. James Madden, 15. Dayne Zorko, 16. Cam Rayner, 17. Jarryd Lyons, 18. Keidean Coleman, 20. Jaxon Prior, 22. Harry Sharp, 23. Charlie Cameron, 27. Darcy Gardiner, 28. Jaspa Fletcher, 29. James Tunstill, 30. Eric Hipwood, 31. Harris Andrews, 32. Darcy Fort, 33. Zac Bailey, 35. Ryan Lester, 37. Brandon Starcevich, 40. Jack Payne, 44. Darcy Wilmot, 46. Oscar McInerney
Notable absentees: Lachie Neale, Jarrod Berry, Conor McKenna, Tom Doedee, Deven Robertson, Will Ashcroft
SUNS SQUAD
2. Rory Atkins, 3. Sam Flanders, 6. Alex Sexton, 7. Nick Holman, 8. Brayden Fiorini, 9. Ben Ainsworth, 10. Charlie Ballard, 11. Touk Miller, 12. Sam Day, 13. Jack Lukosius, 15. Noah Anderson, 16. Tom Berry, 18. Matt Rowell, 19. Bailey Humphrey, 20. Ethan Read, 21. James Tsitas, 22. Ben Long, 23. Sean Lemmens, 24. David Swallow, 25. Sam Collins, 26. Will Graham, 28. Jarrod Witts, 30. Levi Casboult, 31. Mac Andrew, 32. Bodhi Uwland, 33. Sam Clohesy, 34. Ben King, 35. Connor Budarick, 36. Will Rowlands, 37. Oskar Faulkhead, 38. Lloyd Johnston, 40. Joel Jeffrey, 41. Malcolm Rosas jnr, 42. Jack Mahony, 44. Darcy Macpherson, 45. Sandy Brock, 46. Caleb Graham, 47. Hewago Oea, 49. Ned Moyle, 50. Jy Farrar
Notable absentees: Brandon Ellis, Lachie Weller, Wil Powell, Alex Davies, Jed Walter, Jake Rogers
MATCH FORMAT
6 x 20-minute periods, plus time-on
Re-live Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns in the live blog below!
