Brisbane coach Chris Fagan fumes at ‘big mistake’ in victory over Adelaide Crows

The Lions have secured a crushing win over the Adelaide Crows, but the second quarter got underway in controversial circumstances.

The Brisbane Lions have secured a crushing victory over the Adelaide Crows on Saturday evening, temporarily climbing into top spot on the AFL ladder.

The Lions dominated the second half at Adelaide Oval, restricting the Crows to just two goals after halftime to claim their fifth consecutive victory.

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But the second quarter got underway in controversial circumstances, with Adelaide scoring a crucial goal after the footy had seemingly rolled over the boundary line deep in a pocket.

Crows forward Josh Rachele tapped the Sherrin back into play towards teammate Ned McHenry, who danced around two Lions defenders before snapping the Sherrin between the big sticks.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan fumed from the dugout as replays confirmed that the ball had indeed crossed the boundary line.

“That is clearly out,” former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy.

“Look at that, no whistle. The boundary umpire was right there too.

“Bit of luck there for the Crows.”

Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson continued: “That’s a big mistake.”

Speaking on Fox Footy’s Best On Ground, five-time All-Australian Nick Reiwoldt laughed: “Big, big clanger from the boundary umpire. What is going on here?

“Even Chris Fagan, who wears glasses, is 150 metres away, he saw it.”

I dunno, was that out?

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) May 14, 2022

That was so far out I nearly picked it up in my front garden in Hobart #AFLCrowsLions

— John Hunt (@JohnHunt1992) May 14, 2022

That was on King William Street. 😏 #weflyasone#gocrom#aflcrowslions

— Mikey Nicholson (@Mikey_Nicholson) May 14, 2022

McHenry’s goal reduced the deficit to just five points, with Adelaide reclaiming the lead a few minutes later.

But the Lions struck back in the third quarter, kicking eight consecutive goals to take a commanding lead into the final term.

Brisbane small forward Charlie Cameron booted four majors as the Lions spoiled the Crows’ 100th AFL match at Adelaide Oval with a clinical 16.6 (102) to 9.12 (66) win.

While Cameron tormented his old side, the Lions had plenty of weapons in their league-leading attack that finished with 10 goal kickers, including Zac Bailey who booted three.

Lachie Neale also hit the scoreboard and amassed 35 possessions in yet another eye-catching performance.

“I thought our second half was fantastic … we controlled the ball a lot better,” Fagan told reporters in the post-match press conference.

“I think we’re better at that now because we’re a more mature group and they understand what’s happening in the game and can correct it.

“It’s a pleasing sign.”

Rory Laird of the Crows competes with Jarryd Lyons of the Lions. Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images

Rory Laird, Ben Keays and Jordan Dawson led the way for the Crows, with Jackson Hately enjoying his best game since his switch from the Giants, while Shane McAdam booted three goals.

“I loved our first half … I thought that was some of the best footy we’ve played,” Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said.

“But it probably shows where we’re at at the moment that we couldn’t put it together for four quarters.”

The Lions, who have gone 8-1 for the first time since 1948, will next face the Hawthorn Hawks at Launceston’s University of Tasmania Stadium on Sunday, May 22, with the first bounce scheduled for 3.20pm AEST.

— with Jason Phelan, NCA NewsWire