About the only thing that went wrong for Brisbane in its six-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium was a worrying injury toll it gathered from the night.
Before a ball was bounced the Lions lost Darcy Gardiner to a quad niggle, and then during the 12.14 (86) to 11.14 (80) victory, Keidean Coleman (hamstring), James Madden (ankle) and Deven Robertson all left the field.
Coleman was playing an influential role at half-back before limping off in the second quarter, while Madden was also thrusting his name forward as a round one possibility before he hobbled off.
But it didn't bother Brisbane as it used a six goal to three second quarter to establish a buffer the Bulldogs only truly threatened late.
Zac Bailey (two goals and two goal assists from 18 disposals) looks like going to another level this season, while Lachie Neale (30 disposals) showed the benefit of a strong pre-season.
Charlie Cameron and Dan McStay were constant threats inside 50 all night as Brisbane's forward half pressure created plenty of opportunities.
The Bulldogs would have lost no fans though and appear set for another tilt at the premiership.
The Bulldogs trailed by 23 at the final change and hammered away in the final term, kicking two unanswered goals before ultimately falling just short.
Brisbane took hold in the second quarter, kicking the first four goals to establish a healthy lead with some frenetic pressure around the contest.
Daniel Rich launched one from 55m following a Cameron rundown tackle, while Neale's snap just before half-time typified the Lions' unselfish play as a chain of handballs from close to goal found the 2020 Brownlow medallist in a great spot.
The Bulldogs trailed by 23 at the final change and hammered away in the final term, kicking two unanswered goals before ultimately falling just short.
Brisbane took hold in the second quarter, kicking the first four goals to establish a healthy lead with some frenetic pressure around the contest.
Daniel Rich launched one from 55m following a Cameron rundown tackle, while Neale's snap just before half-time typified the Lions' unselfish play as a chain of handballs from close to goal found the 2020 Brownlow medallist in a great spot.
New faces
With two established teams, not a lot of new blood on display, but former Geelong ruckman Darcy Fort showed he could provide a good one-two punch at the stoppages with Oscar McInerney. Brisbane won the hit-outs comfortably and were able to hold the ascendency in the clearances 39-38 against the vaunted Dogs midfield. Fort finished with 12 disposals and two marks to nail his spot in for the opening round.
Round one chance
Brisbane might be on the hunt for a defensive replacement depending on the severity of Keidean Coleman's hamstring injury. Irishman James Madden did his chances no harm with a sound display before hobbling off with his own ankle problem, while Callum Ah Chee could also come into the frame after performing well in his time on field. One man that locked himself in was Noah Answerth, whose dash from half-back and the wing was eye-catching after 12 months on the sidelines with groin problems.
Medical room
It was a rough night for the Lions with Keidean Coleman (hamstring), James Madden (ankle) and Deven Robertson all leaving with injuries. With only two weeks until round one it would be touch and go for Coleman depending on the severity, while the Lions will be anxious to find out how compromised Madden and Robertson are. Darcy Gardiner was also a late withdrawal with a quad niggle.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.4 6.7 9.7 11.14 (80)
BRISBANE 3.2 9.8 12.12 12.14 (86)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 3, Treloar 2, Bontempelli, Crozier, Dale, Dunkley, Johannisen, Williams
Brisbane: Bailey 2, Cameron 2, McStay 2, McCluggage, Cockatoo, McCarthy, Neale, Rich, Robertson
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Macrae, Dunkley, Treloar, Naughton, Williams, Bontempelli
Brisbane: Neale, Bailey, Cameron, McStay, McCluggage, Rich
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Keath (leg), Hannan (ankle)
Brisbane: Rayner (family) replaced in selected side by Robertson; Gardiner (quad) replaced in selected side by Fullarton; Coleman (hamstring); Madden (ankle); Robertson
Reports: Nil
