As expected with the Lions’ season on the line, there is some heat in this game.
Jarrod Berry went hard at Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli early, and copped plenty in return.
“The Bulldogs aren’t going to stand for that,” Seven commentator Luke Hodge said.
Jarrod Berry of the Lions kicks whilst being tackled by Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs.Credit: Getty Images
He was right. Jack McCrae fronted Berry first and then Tom Liberatore stepped in with a forceful jumper punch that almost clocked Berry on the chin.
“Libba crossed the line and gave away a free kick,” Hodge said. He might also give away some coin if his action is looked upon unfavourably by the MRO.
The Bulldogs drew first blood when Adam Treloar kicked a freakish snap goal, more notable for an uncanny bounce over Lachie Neale’s head rather than a tricky angle. Treloar’s former teammate Josh Dunkley soon countered with a goal to the Lions.
The quarter ended with the Lions three points ahead, but it should be more. They were well on top out of the centre square and dominated inside 50s for only four goals in return. The Dogs kicked four straight.
Bulldogs defender Alex Keath was taken off with blood trickling from a cut on his head, after a clash with Eric Hipwood and was taken down to the rooms to have a concussion test.
Bulldog Ryley Sanders was also left sore and sorry when Lions forward Bruce Reville smashed him with a front on tackle.
Brisbane has brought the heat. But can they hit the scoreboard?