Round 14, 2002
Melbourne vs Brisbane Lions
Sunday 7 July
Venue: Gabba
Attendance: 25,166
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 2.2 | 6.7 | 13.8 | 20.11.131 |
| Brisbane | 8.3 | 11.8 | 14.11 | 16.14.110 |
Melbourne win by 21 points
Goalkickers: David Neitz 7, Daniel Ward 4, Russell Robertson 2, Cameron Bruce 1, Brad Green 1, Travis Johnstone 1, Andrew Leoncelli 1, Peter Vardy 1, Paul Wheatley 1, Adem Yze 1
Brownlow votes:
3 - Daniel Ward
2 - David Neitz
Milestones:
Nil
Melbourne had sold their home game to Brisbane to raise an estimated $250,000, but when Brisbane piled on eight goals in the first quarter it looked like a bad idea, especially after suffering a loss the week before as well. By the 17 minute mark of the first term the Lions were already 37 points in front. Four goals in a row at the start of the second term cut the gap, but the Lions responded again and held a commanding 31 point break at half-time.
Brisbane had won 18 games in a row at the Gabba, and as late as the seven minute mark of the third quarter they were still 39 points in front. From that point the Demons piled on 13 goals to three to steal one of the most unlikely victories of the year.
Adem Yze put the Demons in front five minutes into the last term, and two more goals stretched the margin to 18 before the Lions booted two goals. Having come so far to get in front the Demons weren't going to let the game go and a Cameron Bruce goal sealed the deal.
A delighted Neale Daniher said "I'm really proud of the way the boys stuck at their task. It's very difficult up here, and then to be facing six goals to zip and kick 18 goals to eight after quarter-time is just a magnificent effort by a group of blokes that have got a lot of spirit."
Best were Neitz, Bizzell and White. Chris Lamb also claimed a scalp by beating Alastair Lynch. James McDonald suffered an ankle injury.
Media
afl.com.au - 07/07/2002