A second-half fightback has enabled Gold Coast to share the spoils in the first AFLW Queensland derby against Brisbane.
The Lions were held without a goal in the second half as Gold Coast overcame a 15-point halftime deficit with the match finishing 4.4 (28) to 4.4 (28).
It’s the fourth tie in AFLW history.
The result didn’t appear likely after the Lions, on the back of two wins from their opening two matches, kicked the first three goals of the match at Metricon Stadium.
The absence of head coach Craig Starcevich, who missed the match after being hospitalised on Friday due to illness, didn’t appear to have disrupted his team early.
Rheanne Lugg, on her 30th birthday, kicked two goals for the Lions in the first quarter to give the visitors a lead they held at every change.
The Suns battled hard with Kalinda Haworth’s quickfire second-quarter double keeping them in the contest.
The hosts missed a great chance in the final quarter when Paige Parker’s effort was smothered brilliantly on the top of the goal square by Lily Postlethwaite and Jacqui Yorston’s follow-up hit the post.
Those misses were forgotten however when Haworth’s third goal of the game levelled the scores with just over four minutes to play.
The Suns finished stronger and pushed for a winner but were unable to get their noses in front, with a relieved Lions outfit lucky to avoid defeat in the end.
Brisbane’s Kate Ludkins was awarded the medal for best on ground after picking up 22 disposals while Alexandra Anderson and Emily Bates both had over 20 disposals as well.
The Lions host GWS next weekend while Gold Coast take on North Melbourne at Arden Street.
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