World Footy News

The Brisbane Lions tonight won the AFL's preseason competition the NAB Cup Grand Final at Etihad Stadium by 40 points.

Brisbane jumped the Carlton line-up that was heralded by broadcaster Channel 7 as being chock a block full of top draft picks over a number of seasons.

But from the first quarter it was the Lions who had Pearce Hanley racking up ten possessions running off the half back line and along with Zorko, Rich and Karnezis allowed the Lions to get out to an 12 point lead at quarter time. Hanley of course came to the Lions as an International Rookie and although he has been a long time in the making he outshone all those top draft picks at Carlton.

Hanley's form tonight followed up on his improving form in the last two years at Brisbane (where he has finished in the Lion's top 4 in the club best and fairest). The second quarter was also one sided to the same end of the ground with Carlton coming back strong and the other Irishman in the match Zach Tuohy, playing for Carlton kicked a 9 point supergoal during the quarter. Supergoals of course are rewarded by the junior club of the player being sent a bag of new Sherrins. Despite enquiries to the AFL and Carlton we do not yet know where those Sherrins will head, but perhaps it would be nice if they were presented to the Irish rookie of the year at each of the ARFLI clubs (http://www.arfli.com).

At half time the Blues led by 13 points and it looked like they might run over the Lions. But three quick goals from the Lions put them back in control and they continued to push on through the match. For the NAB Cup Premiers veteran Jonathon Brown kicked five goals and Josh Green kicked three.

Daniel Rich won the Michael Tuck Medal for best on ground with the voting Rich 7, Zorko 5, Hanley 4, Gibbs 1, J Brown 1.

Pearce Hanley finished with 19 kicks, 11 handballs, 7 marks and three tackles. Zach Tuohy finished the night with 6 marks, 1 handball, 2 marks and the one supergoal.

Given that Sunday is St Patrick's Day we would like to pass on our best regards to all our Irish friends and readers. We will leave you with the ARFLI's version of the Harlem Shake - the Boston Shake.

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