A THREE-goal haul from Brisbane AFLW forward Jessica Wuetschner has powered the Lions to a thrilling two-point win over Greater Western Sydney at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex.
Wuetschner’s two goals in Sunday afternoon’s third quarter helped the Lions to overturn a seven-point deficit at halftime to run out 4.5 (29) to 4.3 (27) winners.
The Giants edged the home team in the first half, with Irish pair Yvonne Bonner and Cora Staunton leading the charge with a goal apiece.
Giants debutant Alyce Parker was also impressive, with the 18-year-old draftee driving her team forward with a strong midfield performance.
But the Lions, on the back of Wuetschner’s haul and strong games from Ally Anderson, Emily Bates, Nat Exon and Kate Lutkins, held out to win the tight contest.
It was an even first quarter before GWS went to a seven-point quarter-time lead with a goal from debutant Bonner.
The 31-year-old forward from Donegal in northwest Ireland kicked the quarter’s only goal from a set shot 25 metres out.
The Lions led inside 50m in the first half but couldn’t break the Giants’ resolute defence until early in the second quarter when Wuetschner snapped a clever left-foot goal.
A goal to the Giants’ Staunton restored the GWS lead to seven points at halftime.
However, the Lions flicked the switch in the third quarter, with Wuetschner adding another two goals to her tally and star forward Sabrina Frederick-Traub scoring a major to help the Lions to a six-point lead at the final break.
A second goal to Staunton early in the last quarter put the game on a knife’s edge, but the Lions’ were able to hold on for the win despite not scoring a goal in the final term.
Christina Bernardi, in her first game in Giants’ colours after leaving Collingwood, provided a strong target inside 50m and finished with a goal.
© AAP 2019
BRISBANE LIONS 0.1 1.2 4.3 4.5 (29)
GWS GIANTS 1.2 2.3 3.3 4.3 (27)
Goals: Brisbane Lions: J Wuetschner 3 S Frederick-Traub. Greater Western Sydney Giants: C Staunton 2 C Bernardi Y Bonner.
Umpires: Patrick Burns, Matt Baigent, James Strybos.
Venue: Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.
