Lions roar into grand final as Blues' fightback falls short
Brisbane Lions into first AFL grand final since 2004 after 16-point win over Carlton
Carlton came from 46 points down to trail by just six points late in the final term before Brisbane held on to win by 16 points
The Brisbane Lions are into the AFL grand final for the first time in 19 years after a 16-point win over Carlton in a thrilling preliminary final at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Lions overcame a 30-point deficit in the second quarter to defeat the Blues, who came from 46 points down to trail by just six points late in the final term.
Brisbane will now face the Geelong Cats in the grand final next Saturday, while Carlton's season is over.
The Lions were led by Lachie Neale, who had 32 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal, while Joe Daniher kicked three goals and Charlie Cameron kicked two.
For Carlton, Harry McKay kicked four goals and Patrick Cripps had 27 disposals and 10 clearances.
The Blues got off to a flying start, kicking the first three goals of the game, but the Lions hit back with three of their own to trail by just three points at quarter-time.
Carlton extended their lead to 30 points early in the second quarter, but the Lions again fought back to trail by just 11 points at half-time.
The Lions continued to chip away at the Blues' lead in the third quarter, and they finally drew level early in the final term.
Carlton then kicked two goals in quick succession to take a six-point lead, but the Lions responded with two goals of their own to take back the lead.
The Blues had a chance to level the scores late in the game, but McKay's shot at goal went wide, and the Lions held on to win by 16 points.
Comments