Clutch hero ‘greatest rollercoaster of all time’; Lion’s scary reminder: Player Ratings

Joe Daniher led a bonkers Brisbane fightback in a famous finals win over the Giants.

It was several strong performances from the Lions in a night they won’t forget.

Every Brisbane player rated out of 10 from the semi final vs GWS.

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1. Kai Lohmann

Played his part with two goals. The youngster took a while to get involved including kicking the first goal of the second term with his first touch. 5

3. Joe Daniher

Wow, Joe … the match winner. An incredible, heroic fourth quarter including kicking the two clutch goals that gave Brisbane the lead — one from a tight angle — among a team-high four majors. Just so cool under pressure. We saw a bit of everything from the star forward, who was up against the potent Sam Taylor-Jack Buckley defensive duo. Won a huge one-on-one against Taylor early in the game to kick Brisbane’s first goal then caught Isaac Cumming cold holding the ball later in the period. “He’s the Forrest Gump of the AFL, this is your box of chocolates — you never now what you’re going to get. Everything is on the table when Daniher is involved, that’s why he’s so entertaining,” Hawks champion Jason Dunstall told Fox Footy at half-time, adding post-match: “It’s the greatest rollercoaster ride of all time.” 9

4. Callum Ah Chee

Arguably Brisbane’s best forward for most of the game in an almost night. If not for wayward kicking, could’ve been massive. Only converted one of his four shots at goal among a game-high 11 score involvements as one of Brisbane’s more likely types.“He’s been involved in most of their scores, he’s been one of the Lions’ best. Unfortunately, not enough of the other forwards are joining in,” Hawks champion Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy at half-time. 7

5. Josh Dunkley

Went head-to-head with Tom Green and the Giants bull got the points. Still, Dunkley fought hard in the trenches, ending with 23 touches and 11 contested possessions. Just never stopped trying. 6

6. Hugh McCluggage

Didn’t quite back up his huge final against Carlton, though was one of Brisbane’s better players — recording 24 disposals and eight contested possessions. Runs all day. An epic run in the second quarter that set up an Oscar McInerney shot at goal was one of the Brisbane highlights on the night. 7

7. Jarrod Berry

One of his best ever games on the big stage. One of the Lions that really stepped up with Lachie Neale down on his best form. Berry had an equal team-high 27 disposals including nine during the fourth-quarter comeback. Also had 13 contested possessions and a game-high 559 metres gained. 8

8. Will Ashcroft

A huge performance from the second-year star in a scary reminder of what he can do … and against much more experienced counterparts. Got better as the game went on, culminating in a massive fourth quarter. Finished with an equal team-high 27 touches — including 10 in the last quarter to lead the fightback from the midfield — plus team-highs in clearances (nine) and contested possessions (14) to go with 10 score involvements. Plenty of talk around other young superstars in the competition, but don’t forget about this bloke. 8

9. Lachie Neale

To no huge surprise, had Toby Bedford for company, which made for a tough night for the dual Brownlow medallist. Got busier in the second and third terms, but overall down on his best and beaten by Bedford, with Neale finishing with 19 touches. 5

13. Logan Morris

Subbed out in the third quarter with just two handballs in a very quiet performance from the 19-year old. At that point, had been a really tough night to be a Lions forward. N/A

15. Dayne Zorko

Funny old game for Zorko. After a grim first quarter — including some uncharacteristic turnovers — got better and better as the game went on and even impacted forward, kicking two goals from 25 touches. James Peatling tagged him early and made the Lions veteran pay with two first-quarter goals. Zorko also gave away a costly free kick in the second term that led to a Jesse Hogan goal. 7

16. Cam Rayner

Rough night for the former Pick 1 including giving away two fourth quarter free kicks when Brisbane was fighting back. Clearly mattered not in the end, but Brisbane need him to lift next week. 2

23. Charlie Cameron

Down on his usual best form but still managed to kick two goals amid sloppy delivery to Lions forwards for most of the night. Connor Idun won the the battle. 5

26. Conor McKenna

Came on as sub in the third term for Logan Morris but never really got into the game, finishing with six touches. N/A

28. Jaspa Fletcher

Had an honest crack, with 13 touches including the goal before Joe Daniher’s last two during Brisbane’s epic late charge. 5

30. Eric Hipwood

Had Jack Buckley on him and was reasonably ineffective outside of kicking the first of Brisbane’s six-straight goals during that fourth-quarter comeback. 4

31. Harris Andrews

Some strong moments in defence, holding Aaron Cadman to one goal. However, Fox Footy pundits were perplexed as to why Andrews didn’t get moved onto the red-hot Jesse Hogan, even if it mattered not in the end. “Harris should’ve decided to make that move himself, we heard Chris Fagan say he leaves it up to them … I can’t believe Harris Andrews (wasn’t on Hogan). Brisbane said he should’ve been All-Australian, well go and put your best, All-Australian caliber defender on the best forward in the competition. Hogan’s got three goals but could’ve had five of six and really ripped the heart out of the Brisbane Lions,” Saints champion Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy at half-time. 6

33. Zac Bailey

Not his best night, but some big moments in the fourth quarter. Kicked one of Brisbane’s six-straight goals that saw it run over the top and had a big mark on the last line of defence in the late stages. 5

35. Ryan Lester

Brisbane’s third tall defender, appearing to rotate between Lachie Keeffe and Aaron Cadman, and was solid enough. 5

37. Brandon Starcevich

Had the Toby Greene assignment, and while both players had their moments, the Giants skipper probably got the points with his three goals. Starcevich came from the ground for a period in the second term and returned with his head bandaged. 5

40. Jack Payne

Well beaten by Jesse Hogan (five goals) in a decisive part of the game and just didn’t look 100 per cent or comfortable out there after going into the game with a knee issue. Still had game-highs in one percenters (nine), spoils (eight) and a team-high 10 contested defensive one-on-ones. “Perfect player to play on Hogan if he’s totally fit, but it looks like he’s got no power in that left leg … must get the change done and get Harris Andrews onto him,” Lions great Alastair Lynch said on Fox Footy at half-time. 3

43. Noah Answerth

The trusty small defender competed hard all game including laying a game-high 11 tackles. 6

44. Darcy Wilmot

Night to forget for the young halfback, ending with just nine disposals for little influence. 2

46. Oscar McInerney

Competed hard as always in the ruck as his usual reliable, aggressive self. Recorded 13 touches, 10 contested possessions, 38 hit-outs, one goal and a game-high seen inside 50s. Was a reasonably even ruck battle. 7

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