Brisbane midfielder Jarryd Lyons came back to haunt former club Gold Coast in Saturday’s Q-Clash.
Lyons, who was delisted by the Suns at the end of 2018, collected a season-high 37 disposals, nine clearances and nine tackles in the Lions’ 73-point thrashing of their Queensland rivals.
The 28-year-old’s dominant display saw him awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for best afield, continuing his career-best season.
Kane Cornes has doubled down on his criticism of Gold Coast’s decision to cut Lyons.
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“It’s one of the biggest list management mistakes a club has ever made,” Cornes told AFL.com.au’s The Round So Far.
“Can you think that, of all players, they delisted him, they gave him to Brisbane for free. They got nothing for him and he’s a top 40 player in the league.
“It's equally as bad that Adelaide let him go for not much, but at least they got something for him.
“The lowly Gold Coast Suns, who kicked seven goals today (Saturday), let this man dominate with 37 (disposals) and win the Marcus Ashcroft Medal.
“A bit of motivation there, there’s no doubt about that. He’s a genuine star of the game and the Suns let him go for nothing.”
Lyons is averaging 28.2 disposals and 6.3 clearances per match in 2021. The ex-Crow and Sun comes out of contract at the end of the season.
Brisbane (6-3) piled on 14 consecutive goals against the hapless Suns to record their fifth straight win.
The fourth-placed Lions are next in action against reigning premiers Richmond in a Friday night blockbuster at the Gabba.