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Brisbane has recorded its first win of a truncated 2020 AFL season, defeating Fremantle by 12 points at the Gabba on Saturday.
Two late goals from Michael Walters gave the Dockers hope, but a Dayne Zorko major in the final minute sealed a hard earned Lions triumph 12.9 (81) to 10.9 (69).
In a high intensity, skilful contest for the most part the home side kept the visitors at bay for most of the day, before stars Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters inspired a Dockers comeback in the second half.
It was the Charlie Cameron show early, the 2019 All-Australian kicking four first half goals to help Brisbane to a 5 point half time lead.
Matt Taberner was a presence up forward in an absorbing duel with Lions defender Harris Andrews, kicking 2 first half majors but squandering two gettable opportunities that would have put his side ahead at the main break.
Darcy Tucker and new recruit James Aish were prominent around the ball, Fyfe a dual threat in midfield and up forward.
Brisbane broke the game open in the third term, pushing their lead out to 24 points before the Dockers kicked a late goal through their talisman skipper to set up a tense finish.
Taberner was controversially robbed of a mark in his full forward goal square in the opening minute of the last quarter, before both teams began to fatigue in warm sunny Brisbane conditions.
Justin Longmuir’s men were without big man Sean Darcy for most of the second half due to a knee injury, falling just short of their first win of the season.
Former Docker Lachie Neale had a game high 29 disposals and kicked 2 majors for the Lions, while Walters had 28 touches for Fremantle. Skipper Fyfe was his side’s best with 27 possessions and 3 goals.
Fremantle face Port Adelaide in round 3, while the Lions host West Coast next Saturday at the Gabba.
IMAGE: Fox Sports.