The NEAFL Brisbane Lions have suffered a 122-point thumping at the hands of an electric Sydney Swans side on Saturday afternoon, spearheaded by former Australian touch-footballer and top-up player Matt Wilson who kicked five goals.
The match started in 30oC heat with three Swans majors, before Michael Close put the Lions’ first on the board.
Poor ball handling lead to turnovers, which gifted the hard-running Swans countless majors.
Jaden McGrath managed to kick two goals from high tackles leading to 50m penalties in the second term, but the Swans only continued to pile on the pain from Brisbane’s mistakes, leading by 37 at the main break.
At half time coach Shane Woewodin urged his players to not let the Swans off the hook and get back into the contest, stressing the importance of not giving up and showing a united front.
The pep talk paid dividends early, as McGrath found himself on the end of a pinpoint pass from Ben Keays, kicking the first for the half.
A goal to Evans saw the Lions leading the quarter at the 12 minute mark, but the Swans shook the early second half shackles with 12 unanswered goals to run away with a resounding victory.
Development coach Leigh Harding lamented the Lions’ lack of composure:
“(We) just gave it back to them too many times.
“They kicked a lot of goals from our turnovers… Our stoppage stuff around the ground wasn’t too bad, but when we turned the ball over they killed us on their offence.”
First year player Ben Keays was prolific despite the stifling heat, racking up 39 disposals and seven marks, thirteen more touches than any other player on the ground, emphatically putting his hand up for senior selection next week against Geelong.
Nick Robertson was relentless in the clinches, winning countless contested possessions despite an early head knock.
Reuben William provided a robust target up forward and a strong pair of hands in the middle, whilst Jackson Paine and Eric Hipwood were solid down back under heavy fire from the Swans’ artillery.
Josh McGuiness provided some response to Sydney’s speedsters, whilst Archie Smith earned praise with his work in the ruck, helping the Lions win the hitouts 42-23.
Michael Close created a number of opportunities in front of goal, but headed back down the Bruce Highway with a return of just 1.2.
Josh Clayton left the ground early with a quad complaint and was left on ice for the remainder of the match.
Brisbane will be hoping to improve drastically next week against the Redland Bombers at Victoria Point, who trounced Canberra by 10-points on Saturday.
NEAFL LIONS 1.4 3.5 5.9 5.10 (40)
NEAFL SWANS 5.2 11.6 18.8 25.12 (162)
GOALS
Brisbane: McGrath 3, Close, Evans
Sydney: Wilson 5, Rose 3, J Dawson 3, Davis 3, Hiscox 2, Nankervis 2, Galloway 2, Behagg 2, McGlynn, Reinhard, Hebron
BEST
Brisbane: Keays, Robertson, Evans, William, McGuinness, Smith.
Sydney: Wilson, Hiscox, Foote, Marsh, Newman, Rose.
Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, Burpengary.
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