The GIANTS’ VFL program was unable to replicate the result of its AFL side after falling to Brisbane by 85 points in a high-scoring affair at Brighton Home Arena on Sunday afternoon.

After the club’s AFL side registered a spirited 11-point win over the Lions at the Gabba on Saturday, the GIANTS were looking to make it two from two on their Queensland road trip but were unfortunately overrun after half-time as the Lions roared home to run out 24.15 (159) -11.8 (74) winners in the VFL clash.

Despite kicking the opening goal inside the first 35 seconds through James Lugsdin, the GIANTS were on the backfoot early against the Lions who kicked eight out of 10 goals in a ferocious stretch across the first two terms to jump out to a 42-point lead midway through the second term.

Max Gruzewski looked to inspire the GIANTS just before half time as he followed up a big tackle on the wing with a strong contested mark and his second major for the day before gifting Lugsdin his second goal to briefly quieten the roaring Lions.

Young forward Hugo Birks added to the orange tsunami’s momentum soon after as he helped cut the 42-point lead to just 25 on the eve of half time with a brilliant left foot finish set up by some dash and dare off half back from Conor Stone.

The second half was one to forget however for the GIANTS as a lower leg injury to tough midfielder Marc Sheather compounded a lopsided half as the Lions cruised to a huge win.

Right in the contest early in the third period as the sides wrestled for early ascendancy, the game took a drastic turn when the GIANTS and their midfield were dealt a huge blow when play was stopped for almost 10 minutes as Sheather had to be escorted from the field after hurting his leg in a contest.

Having already gathered 12 disposals and 11 tackles to the early point of the third term, Sheather’s absence was severely felt as the Lions went on to kick five unanswered goals in the term before Gruzewski kicked the GIANTS’ only goal of the period with a nice set-shot finish after the three-quarter-time siren.

Trailing by 56 points at the final change, the GIANTS continued to fight it out, but the Lions  could smell victory and proved too good in the final term as they ran out convincing winners at home.

Despite the loss the GIANTS still sit in third place on the VFL table at 7-4 for the season.

There were strong performances from several AFL-listed GIANTS on Sunday despite the result, with Gruzewski continuing his push for an AFL recall with 21 disposals, 10 marks, and 3.2 to finish as the GIANTS’ best in another stellar display.

Meanwhile Toby McMullin (28 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances) led the way in the middle in his first VFL game since April, while dashing duo Ryan Angwin (23 disposals, five tackles, four clearances) and Harry Oliver (22 disposals, five marks) provided plenty of run and carry in promising performances.

Josh Fahey (21 touches, four tackles) never stopped trying off half back, while James Leake (18 touches, four tackles) worked his way into the game with a strong second half as he pushes for AFL selection.

Wade Derksen (17 disposals, five marks, a goal) was solid both down back and when pushed forward late in the game, while Jacob Wehr (12 disposals, three tackles) showed his class by foot despite not finding as much as the footy as usual.

Likewise Conor Stone (eight disposals, two tackles) didn’t rack up his usual possession tally but still had impressive moments, highlighted by some eye-catching running passages out of defence.

Meanwhile young ruck Logan Smith (21 hit-outs, three clearances) took another huge step in his development as he battled admirably against the Lions’ first-choice AFL ruck Oscar McInerny who returned from injury through the VFL.

Leading the way for the VFL-listed GIANTS was key forward Hugo Birks who backed up his four-goal debut last week with four more majors in another impressive outing from the youngster.

Fellow VFL-listed GIANTS Louie Montgomery (15 disposals, four clearances), Harper Montgomery (14 disposals, six marks), and Billy McGee Galimberti (11 disposals, five marks) were also solid, while Lugsdin(10 disposals, two goals) continued his fine form up forward.

Tom McCaffrey (12 disposals, a goal) also contributed strongly and kicked a nice first-half goal in what was his 50^th state league game.

The GIANTS’ VFL side will next face the Gold Coast Suns in Blacktown on Sunday ahead of the exciting AFL clash between the two clubs at ENGIE Stadium that afternoon.

VFL Round 12 

Lions       6.4 11.5 16.13 24.15 (159)

GIANTS   3.3 7.4 8.5 11.8 (74)

Goalkickers

Lions: McLachlan 6, McFadyen 4, Ryan 3, McKenna 3, Craven 2, Gallop, Tunstill, Reville, McCarthy, Annable, Marshall  

GIANTS: Birks 4, Gruzewski 3, Lugsdin, 2 McCaffrey, Derksen