A SUCCESSFUL Jonathan Brown set shot goal from 55m in the final five seconds has forced an incredible draw between the Brisbane Lions and Sydney at the Gabba on Saturday night.

After a dour first three quarters, the 33,077 fans were treated to a pulsating final term where the lead changed hands four times and scores were tied on another three occasions.

The final act of the game came when Brown went back after a mark on the 50m line and the big Brisbane forward booted his fourth goal to force the draw.

Sydney finished on 8.15 (63) to Brisbane’s 9.9 (63).

The Swans led by 17 points at the final change and appeared to be in control of the contest, but the Lions came out breathing fire with goals to Chris Johnson, Robert Copeland and Brown inside the first three minutes giving them the lead.

Both teams then moved the ball from end to end as Adam Schneider roved a long kick to put the Swans back in front at the five-minute mark.

The lead changed again as Brown kicked his third and began to get on top of his opponent Craig Bolton, who had worn him like a glove all night.

With the scores level at the 22-minute mark, Sydney skipper Brett Kirk appeared to have kicked the winning goal when he snapped truly on his left foot from 25m.

Kirk had been one of the Swans’ best, winning plenty of contested possession himself while keeping Brownlow Medallist Simon Black to just 16 touches.

But Brown would not be denied on full time, and kicked his third for the term and fourth for the match.

It will be little consolation, but Sydney extended its unbeaten streak over Brisbane to seven matches in a highly physical and closely contested four quarters.

First gamer Ed Barlow, who came in for important Irishman Tadhg Kennelly, was a more than handy contributor in a rugged opening quarter.

In fact he was one of Sydney’s best for the night.

The pressure on the ball was extreme all over the ground as Sydney fought its way into the ascendancy for a 10-point quarter time lead, 2. 4 (16) to 1. 0 (6).

Along the way Luke Brennan was taken from the field after a heavy clash with Jason Roe, and the Lions’ defender appeared to be reported.

While the Swan was dazed, he returned to the field less than 10 minutes later.

After Richard Hadley opened the scoring for the Lions, Sydney assumed control through its relentless tackling and fierce pressure.

The half-back line of Craig Bolton, Nick Malceski and Ted Richards was rebounding superbly while Adam Goodes was winning possessions all over the ground.

Jude Bolton found both Nick Davis and Adam Schneider inside the forward 50 and both converted the set shots.

Schneider’s goal came after a brilliant Adam Goodes tackle dispossessed Simon Black, giving Bolton the chance to spot up the quick forward.

Things changed in the second quarter after Barry Hall kicked the opening goal for an 18-point lead.

Hall had a strong match but his kicking let him down, booting one goal five.

While Sydney continued its hard work, Brisbane began running much harder and creating more chances.

Goals to Johnson, Jared Brennan, from a downfield free kick, and Brown, levelled the scores at half-time, 3.7.25 to 4.1.25.

Inaccuracy was the name of the game after the major break with both teams equally guilty.

But Sydney found its kicking boots late in the quarter to take what appeared a match winning 17-point lead to the final change.

Alas, the Lions’ blitz early in the final term erased the advantage, and Brown’s bomb means Sydney’s drive for a top-four position will be that little bit harder.

BRISBANE   1.0    4.1    4.7    9.9  (63) drew
SYDNEY     2.4    3.7    6.12   8.15 (63)

Goals
Brisbane: J Brown 4, C Johnson 2, J Brennan, R Copeland, R Hadley.
Sydney: A Schneider 2, N Davis, N Fosdike, B Hall, B Kirk, B Mathews, R O'Keefe.

Best
Brisbane: J Brown, J Adcock, M Leuenberger, T Notting, J Roe, N Lappin.
Sydney: A Goodes, T Richards, E Barlow, N Fosdike, B Kirk, A Buchanan.

Injuries
Brisbane: J Charman (calf), S Harding (knee), J Macdonald (virus) replaced in selected side by J Sherman, T Selwood (general soreness) replaced in selected side by M Moody. Sydney: T Kennelly (knee) replaced in selected side E Barlow.

Reports: J Roe (Brisbane) reported by field umpire B Rosebury for making front-end contact to the head of L Brennan (Sydney) in the first quarter, L Power (Brisbane) reported by field umpire S Ryan for charging C Bolton (Sydney) in the fourth quarter.

Umpires: S Ryan B Rosebury M James.

Official Crowd: 33,077 at Gabba.