It might have been pre-season on paper — it didn’t feel like it.
In a fiery AAMI Community Series clash at Brighton Homes Arena on February 26, the Brisbane Lions shook off an early Gold Coast blitz before exploding late to claim a 19.12 (126) to 15.11 (101) victory in a match that had everything: momentum swings, young guns rising, big names firing — and a couple of incidents that will have the Match Review Officer on alert.
If this was a “dress rehearsal”, Brisbane delivered it with finals-level edge.
Suns Strike First — Lions Strike Harder
Gold Coast came out breathing fire.
Five first-quarter goals stunned the home crowd as Jarrod Witts dominated the ruck early and Christian Petracca powered through stoppages. For a moment, the Suns looked sharper, cleaner, hungrier.
Then Brisbane’s engine room went to work.
Lachie Neale turned the tide with a masterclass in clearance work — 31 disposals and 10 clearances. Zac Bailey injected spark and dare, finishing with 25 touches and two goals, while Josh Dunkley went to the coalface and refused to give ground.
By half-time, the contest had levelled. By three-quarter time, Brisbane had edged ahead. In the final term, they slammed the door shut — six goals to three to run away 25-point winners.
That’s not pre-season complacency. That’s control.
Morris Monsters His Opponent
If there was one Lion who stamped his authority, it was Logan Morris.
Four goals. Relentless leading. Aerial strength. Physical presence.
Morris consistently got the better of Mac Andrew in one-on-one contests, forcing errors and capitalising inside 50. With several key forwards unavailable, he looked every bit a player ready to shoulder responsibility in 2026.
Charlie Cameron buzzed back into action with two goals and trademark defensive pressure, while Lincoln McCarthy and Kai Lohmann added forward-half heat.
Brisbane’s forward line, even undermanned, looked potent.
Young Lions Roar in the Ruck
With Darcy Fort rested and Sam Draper sidelined, Zane Zakostelsky and Cody Curtin were thrown into the deep end against Witts.
Zakostelsky didn’t just survive — he competed. His follow-up work and mobility stood out, particularly through the middle quarters when the Lions began to assert dominance. Curtin showed flashes of athleticism and intensity, underlining the club’s growing depth.
Bruce Reville also caught the eye with 20 composed disposals, continuing to press his case ahead of Opening Round.
Brisbane didn’t just win. It found options.
Late Hits and Nervous Waits
The temperature spiked late.
Gold Coast forward Jed Walter was reported for high contact on Zakostelsky after a late incident, while Jy Farrar’s heavy collision with Darcy Wilmot — collecting the Lion when he wasn’t looking — is likely to draw scrutiny.
It added genuine spite to a contest that had already lifted beyond typical pre-season intensity.
Hugh McCluggage’s night ended early with a corked calf, though the club expects him to be available for Opening Round. Luke Lloyd hobbled off with an ankle concern.
Otherwise, Brisbane escaped largely intact — and with reinforcements to come.
Harris Andrews, Dayne Zorko and Darcy Fort were rested. Cam Rayner trained earlier in the day. Oscar Allen and Ryan Lester continue through concussion protocols.
Suns Show Firepower — But Lions Show Authority
Gold Coast had its highlights. Petracca (24 disposals, nine clearances) looked every bit the midfield upgrade the Suns craved, while Leo Lombard’s three goals showcased emerging class.
But when the pressure rose, Brisbane responded.
After quarter-time, the Lions controlled territory, controlled stoppage, and ultimately controlled the scoreboard.
Pre-season doesn’t hand out premiership points. But it does send messages.
On Thursday night, against the Suns, Brisbane sent one loud and clear.
Message received.
Published 27-Feb-2026
