Jack Gunston has used Brisbane’s 81-point rout of West Coast to press his case for AFL retention, kicking six objectives because the hapless Eagles misplaced a 14th straight recreation.
The Lions scored the primary 45 factors in a ruthless first quarter earlier than the Eagles stemmed the movement in a 16.20 (116) 5.5 (35) win on the Gabba on Saturday.
Hawthorn recruit Gunston was dropped a month in the past after a quiet begin as a Lion, restricted purely to coaching in an effort to freshen the 31-year-old, three-time premiership participant.
It appeared to work, Gunston (20 disposals) snapping two first-quarter objectives earlier than discovering extra ball at halfback and squeezing two extra via within the second half.
He iced his comeback with an additional two majors within the last minutes to finish his bag.
It was solely the fourth six-goal haul for Gunston in his 14 seasons, a career-best seven evading him when a protracted set shot sailed large with 20 seconds to play.
Gunston obtained his likelihood with Lincoln McCarthy suspended and Callum Ah Chee (concussion) injured and Melbourne on the MCG will probably be a extra formidable foe ought to coach Chris Fagan retain him subsequent week.
The Lions kicked seven objectives within the first 20 minutes however, in opposition to a aspect that is already been on the tip of 4 100-plus level losses this season, missed an opportunity to really increase their share.
Brisbane loved a humiliation of possession however relied on the Eagles’ unforced errors for a lot of of their later objectives.
Harris Andrews (19 disposals) once more flirted with the AFL document of 10 intercept marks in a commanding defensive efficiency, whereas Cam Rayner (one objective, seven inside 50s, 4 rating assists) was bullish however lacked polish in entrance of objective.
Jeremy McGovern (20 disposals) was an unhurt substitute after enjoying three quarters in his first recreation since a round-three hamstring damage, whereas fellow returnee Tim Kelly (26 touches, 12 contested, one objective) clashed heads with Gunston within the first time period however recovered to be considered one of his aspect’s finest.
Eagle Oscar Allen kicked a objective to maintain his season streak alive whereas Brisbane defender Brandon Starcevich booted one too, solely his sixth in 87th AFL appearances.
Hugh McCluggage was closely concerned early and rewarded with two first-quarter objectives to proceed his mid-season resurgence, however each Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher have been stored goalless in entrance of 24,843 followers.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
