The NEAFL Brisbane Lions went down to the first-placed Sydney Swans Reserves by 110 points yesterday morning in wet and slippery conditions.
A damaging Sydney Swans outfit held the young Lions to just five behinds after the first quarter.
Swans utility, Dean Towers, dominated throughout the entire match, collecting 24 disposals, six tackles and booting five goals.
The Swans were up-and-about early, kicking the opening four goals of the game with Lion, Eric Hipwood slotting the side’s first goal after taking a well timed, sliding chest mark.
In sluggish conditions, the Lions were working hard around the contests to gather a waterlogged ball.
Their relentless effort eventually paid off, with first-year player, Reuben William crumming and snapping a crucial goal.
Rhys Mathieson was dangerous at the stoppages, earning a free kick and striking it perfectly off his boot, putting the Lions within 7 points at the first break.
Coach, Shane Woewodin was proud of his young sides’ effort to regain themselves after a quick start from the Swans, encouraging them to believe in their ability and talent.
Despite having plenty of the ball, the Lions were unable to carry this momentum throughout the remainder of the game, struggling to capitalise on their forward 50 entries.
The Swans experience and composure showed with their skills remaining accurate regardless of the wet weather footy environment.
Defender, Marco Paparone was a standout for Lions in his return from a hamstring injury, gathering 27 disposals, eight rebound 50s and eight marks.
Young Lions midfielder, Rhys Mathieson continued his impressive form from last week, collecting 20 disposals, six clearances, eight inside 50s and drawing five free kicks.
Reserves captain, Jackson Paine was pivotal down back, producing massive spoils and vocally encouraging his side.
Queensland product, Eric Hipwood played courageously at both ends of the field- following the flight of a long ball backwards, taking a gutsy mark in the last quarter.
Brisbane Lions, Strategy and Retention Manager, Craig Lambert watched on as his son Billy played as a top-up and was optimistic of the direction the NEAFL Lions were heading.
“They started really well, and for these young guys it’s all about gaining experience and listening to the coach’s, and you never know what can happen from there,” Lambert said.
The Brisbane Lions Reserves will be looking to take their first quarter effort into future matches, but will appreciate having a bye next weekend after today’s physical contest.
NEAFL BRISBANE LIONS: 3.2 3.2 3.6 3.7 (25)
NEAFL SYDNEY SWANS: 4.3 10.4 15.11 20.15 (135)
GOALS
Lions: William, Hipwood, Mathieson
Swans: Wilson 5, Towers 5, Rose 3, Reinhard 3, Murray, McFadden, B Jack, Rohan
BEST
Lions: Paparone, Mathieson, Hipwood, Paine, Rolls
Swans: Towers, Wilson, B Jack, Rose Davis
Giffin Park, Coorparoo
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