Evergreen veteran keeps getting better; star’s epic first quarter: Lions Player Ratings

An evergreen Lions veteran is ageing like a fine wine to continue his impressive 2024 campaign.

It was one of several strong performances across the board for Brisbane, who lit up the Gabba in a 28-point win over the Blues as Chris Fagan’s side advanced to a semi-final.

Every Brisbane player rated out of 10 from the elimination final vs Carlton.

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1. Kai Lohmann

Two goals among seven score involvements in his first final as a spark plug for Chris Fagan’s forward line. Kicked the Lions’ third goal on the night to really get the Gabba rocking. You sense the 21-year old will be a great September showman in the years to come. 6

3. Joe Daniher

Kicked two of their first four-straight goals on the night to help set the tone. It included Daniher catching his opponent, Jacob Weitering, napping with an easy one out the back to kick Brisbane’s fourth major and really send panic through the Carlton camp. Also had seven score involvements. 6

4. Callum Ah Chee

Not his best night, but importantly ended the Lions’ scoring drought in the third quarter to snap a run of five-straight Carlton goals when the Blues looked to be building belief. Helped changed the momentum. 4

5. Josh Dunkley

Relatively quiet all game, with 10 handballs from his 15 disposals, but did have seven score involvements and a game-high 33 pressure acts. 5

6. Hugh McCluggage

Absolutely scintillating early. So much better than anyone on the ground in a dominant first quarter (10 disposals, six tackles, three marks) to set up the win. Ended with 24 touches – 17 by foot — eight tackles, six clearances, six inside 50s and six score involvements. Point to prove after not making the All-Australian squad? 8

7. Jarrod Berry

Went head-to-head with Sam Docherty on the wing for most of the night and got the better of the returning Blues veteran. Had 19 touches and eight marks. 7

8. Will Ashcroft

Quiet early but worked his way into the game. Was busy in the trenches as usual with 20 disposals at 95 per cent efficiency and nine score involvements. 7

9. Lachie Neale

Didn’t feel like the dual Brownlow medallist’s best game, but still had a team-high 14 contested possessions and nine clearances from his 27 disposals with seven score involvements. Shows the standard Neale’s set. Appeared to have Adam Cerra following him around early, but didn’t get that much attention for the most part. 8

13. Logan Morris

Playing in his first final, the 19-year old didn’t look daunted at all on the big stage. Kicked 2.2 among seven score involvements, so it could’ve been a bigger night. 6

15. Dayne Zorko

Probably best on ground, with the evergreen 35-year old, who’s coming off his second All-Australian honour, ageing like a fine wine. A particularly prolific first half (19 disposals) with razor sharp kicking in the opening term to set up ample Lions chains. It prompted Michael Voss to move Ollie Hollands onto the Lions veteran in the second half to keep Zorko more honest. Finished with a team-high 29 touches — 24 by foot — eight score involvements, 611 metres gained and seven intercepts — the third-most on the ground. “I don’t think you can let Zorko play like he did in the first half and have it all on his terms. You’ve got to have someone capable of either getting inside his space or capable of getting into a dangerous spot,” Demons legend Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy. 8

16. Cam Rayner

One of his best finals as one of many forward threats in the Lions’ potent and high-functioning attack. Had some big, high-impact moments, ending with three goals, eight score involvements, three contested marks and eight contested possessions from his 12 touches. 7

23. Charlie Cameron

Some typical Charlie electric moments but far from his best night. Still booted two goals and played his part. 6

26. Conor McKenna

Came on as the sub late in the second term for Jack Payne (knee). Had seven disposals – five by foot. 4

28. Jaspa Fletcher

Quiet showing for the second-year Lion, finishing with just nine touches. Matched up on Ollie Hollands on the wing for most of the contest and neither had much of an impact. 3

30. Eric Hipwood

Looked active and dangerous early, and while Hipwood didn’t hit the scoreboard, he had two goal assists from his 15 touches and seven marks. 5

31. Harris Andrews

Played on Brodie Kemp and was his usual rock-solid self in defence including gathering seven intercepts and game-highs in one percenters (nine) with spoils (eight). 7

33. Zac Bailey

Dangerous as always inside 50 even if he only finished with 1.1 among seven score involvements. Came to life with eight of his 18 disposals in the third term to help swing back momentum Brisbane’s way and ensure it didn’t lose a handle on the game. 6

35. Ryan Lester

Brisbane’s third tall defender switching on multiple opponents. Didn’t have much of the ball but did his job. 5

37. Brandon Starcevich

Probably Brisbane’s best defender on the night. Just rarely loses one-on-ones. Particularly great start to really set the tone for the Lions defensively as a wall Carlton struggled to get through. Had six disposals of his 14 disposals in the first term and also finished with five marks and an equal game-high 10 intercepts. 7

40. Jack Payne

A knee injury ended his night early, with the Lions defender subbed off just before half-time. Fingers crossed he’s OK. Had the initial assignment on Harry McKay, and like all the other Blues forwards, kept him quiet early. N/A

43. Noah Answerth

Kept Carlton’s small forwards at bay in another reliable performance from the defender. 6

44. Darcy Wilmot

Really strong start in a period that essentially decided the result, with Wilmot registering eight first-quarter disposals. The 20-year old provided valuable run and carry across half back all night with 21 touches — 18 by foot — a game-high 645 metres gained and team-high seven inside 50s. 7

46. Oscar McInerney

One of Brisbane’s best, with the hulking ruckman helping control the game inside the contest with 14 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven tackles and 30 hit-outs. Had the better of Marc Pittonet in general and more presence than his Blues counterparts throughout the night. 8