It was a Rhys Mathieson masterclass as he led the Brisbane Lions to a convincing 62-point win against the Northern Bullants under lights at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex.
The 25-year-old had a day out at Burpengary, collecting a huge 46-point disposals, 17 clearances, nine marks and a goal.
Bouncing back from last weekend’s loss, the Lions displayed plenty of energy and attack around the contest to take home the victory, 93 to 31.
After a reasonably low-scoring first quarter, a string of five goals to the Bullants’ two in the second term saw the Lions shore up their lead to a considerable 30 points at the main break.
The Beast was unleashed 🚨
— Brisbane Lions VFL (@lions_vfl) June 3, 2022
46 touches, 17 clearances, 9 marks and a goal 🤯 pic.twitter.com/APtEIzmMSI
Another quiet quarter in the third term left the Lions leaving their final run home until the last quarter.
Ely Smith booted three goals in the space of eight minutes to get the Lions fourth quarter efforts rolling, before Wylie Buzza and Wilson Barry chipped in with goals of their own to stretch out the Lions lead and secure the 63 point win.
The spread of offensive targets in the Lions’ 22 was on display once again, with E. Smith, Buzza, Barry, Blake Coleman, Rhys Mathieson, Nakia Cockatoo, Mitch Robinson, Henry Smith, and Tom Fullarton all finding goals throughout the afternoon.
Mathieson and Robinson proved an explosive pairing for the Lions in the middle, with the two tough midfielders dominating play across the ground.
Another mammoth effort from Mathieson saw him finish with a huge 46 disposals, 17 clearances, nine marks and nine inside 50s.
Winners are grinners! 62 point win at Burpengary 🦁 pic.twitter.com/ieqcDGJzKl
— Brisbane Lions VFL (@lions_vfl) June 3, 2022
While ‘Robbo’ made his push for a return to Senior Coach Chris Fagan’s best 21, gathering a solid 32 touches and 8 marks.
Rangey defender Carter Michael put together one of his strongest performances of the season, providing good rebound off half back to finish with 26 disposals, 10 marks, and five inside 50s.
Tom Berry and Jimmy Tunstill also continued their run of good form to be among the Lions’ best in the win.
Best: Mathieson, E. Smith, T. Berry, Robinson, Buzza, Michael
Goals: Buzza x 3, E. Smith x 3, Barry, Cockatoo, Coleman, Fullarton, Mathieson, Robinson, H. Smith
