The Sydney Swans have cast doubt over Brisbane’s NEAFL premiership defence, crushing the Lions by 54-points on a wet afternoon in Brisbane.  

Brisbane was keen to rebound following their 41-point loss to Redland last weekend while the Swans were striving to prove themselves as genuine premiership contenders in 2014.

Swans coach Jared Crouch said earlier in the week that the Lions were the team to beat this season, and that’s exactly what they did. In a tough contest at the Gabba, Sydney outclassed and outmuscled the Lions outfit to earn the 12.17 (89) to 4.11 (35) victory.

The match opened with great intensity as both sides traded possession at will. The Lions looked dangerous early on with Zac O’Brien and Andrew Raines providing great run through the middle. At the tenth minute, however, Dean Towers kicked the first major to put the Swan’s ahead.

Sydney had to work hard to gain possession but their skills ultimately proved to be more effective in the wet.  The Swans had 31 more inside 50’s than their opponents (41-10) in the first half and goals to Heeney, Marsh, McCaffrey and Hilcox left the Lions trailing by 38-points at half time, still searching for a goal of their own.  

The Swans opened the third quarter in emphatic style, choking the Lions around the stoppages and kicking three quick goals to blow the margin out to 55 points.

O’Brien continued to lead the way for the Lions providing great drive down the wing while Archie Smith rallied in the ruck with 10 hit outs for the quarter. The breakthrough came in the twelfth minute of the third quarter; Rayner kicking truly for Brisbane’s first major. Jono Freeman showed his potential as a key position player by booting 2 quick goals to give the Lions some hope going into the final change.

It was the midfield that held strong for Brisbane; Raines and Bourke were busy providing great run and carry through the middle. For the Swans, Membrey, Biggs and debutant Aliir Aliir shone throughout.

The Lions looked dangerous at times, however, three unanswered goals in the final term sealed the match for the Swans and left the Lions with plenty to work on heading into next weeks match with the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium. 
 

LIONS RESERVES         0.2    0.2      4.6      4.11      (45)

SWANS RESERVES       3.6    5.10    9.12    12.17    (89)  

LIONS GOALS: Freeman 2, Uebergang, Rayner.