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‘Absolute joke’: Umpires blasted as Lions book prelim, down Port Adelaide

Brisbane and Port Adelaide have started their quests to end long AFL premiership droughts, with umpiring in the spotlight.

Staff Writers
3 min read
September 9, 2023 - 11:02PM
Liliya Butonova singing the national anthem pre-match. Photo: Fox Footy
Liliya Butonova singing the national anthem pre-match. Photo: Fox Footy

Brisbane has given itself a huge shot at ending a two-decade premiership drought, comfortably beating Port Adelaide in a qualifying final at the Gabba.

In a match-up of sides that finished the regular season with identical 17-6 records, fireworks were expected.

But they never really eventuated, with the Lions maintaining a solid lead throughout the night and ultimately prevailing by 48 points as they firm in premiership favouritism.

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The Lions won the last of three consecutive flags back in 2003, but remain undefeated at home this season and are now one win from the grand final.

Port must return home to lick its wounds before hosting the red-hot Giants next weekend.

Ken Hinkley’s poor finals record has continued with the Power. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Ken Hinkley’s poor finals record has continued with the Power. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Joe Daniher kicked five goals for the home side, with the only issue his rather unfortunate song choice of “Let It Go” from Frozen ringing out after each one.

Charlie Cameron, who had the place rocking with his song choice of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, added two goals and six marks in his 200th game.

Ollie Lord popped up with four goals for the Power, but the Lions led all night in a 19.9 (123) to 11.9 (75) stroll.

Here is how it all unfolded.

Joe Daniher kicks one of his five goals in a dominant role up forward for the Lions. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Joe Daniher kicks one of his five goals in a dominant role up forward for the Lions. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

9.05pm AEST - Umpires firmly in the spotlight

Calls of bias are common among AFL fans, including a regular suspicion that Victorian commentators are always cheering for Melbourne sides, Brian Taylor among the worst protagonists there.

That can also, of course, extend to umpiring in the game in the eyes of fans.

Following some contentious calls across the course of this huge clash at the Gabba, fans took to social media to make their feelings known as the Lions held a lead throughout so far.

It didn’t have an influence one way or the other, however, with Brisbane largely untroubled in the fairly routine win.

The Lions will be home for one more match before a possible showdown at the MCG.

8.20pm AEST - Feisty clash unfolding at the Gabba

As expected, Brisbane got off to a strong start as it aimed to keep an unbeaten Gabba record in 2023 intact.

The Lions had the first three goals on the board in quick succession as the home fans roared in delight.

Port came into the match with an identical 17-6 win-loss record to the Queenslanders, however, and took the fight right up to Brisbane.

That included a stoush that broke out between Port’s Jason Horne-Francis and Brisbane star Charlie Cameron.

The Lions seemed to have the answers over the first half, but the Power were comfortably keeping in touch.

7.20pm AEST - The night doesn’t start well

With the teams in place and final formalities playing out, all that was left was a quick rendition of Advance Australia Fair and then the Sherrin could be bounced.

Sadly, it didn’t prove to be quite so straightforward.

Liliya Butonova, who is listed as a Brisbane-based soul singer on an entertainment website, may have got a little stage fright.

Butonova started well enough, albeit a little off-key, before an issue arose towards the end.

Clearly thinking the anthem ended on the words “Advance Australia Fair” prior to the chorus, she held the word “fair” and then stopped singing.

Liliya Butonova singing the national anthem pre-match. Photo: Fox Footy
Liliya Butonova singing the national anthem pre-match. Photo: Fox Footy

Unfortunately, the chorus line “in joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair” was still to come.

To her credit, Butonova realised her mistake and jumped back in after missing “in joyful”.

It was a moment that didn’t get missed on social media.

6.45pm AEST - No changes for either team

Following the dramas for the earlier final between St Kilda and GWS, won by the Giants, the initial stages of the evening match were straightforward.

The Saints (Tim Membrey) and Giants (Stephen Coniglio) had an important player ruled out on game day.

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No such issues for the Lions or Power, however, who lined up as selected.

The Lions were unbeaten all season long at home and firm favourites to knock off the Power and earn a week off and home preliminary final.

The vanquished team will host the Giants next week.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/brisbane-lions-vs-port-adelaide-qualifying-final-live-at-the-gabba/news-story/0c7c46ff9e698c078820f249bddb43d9