The Brisbane Lions Reserves are the only undefeated side in the entire NEAFL after they trumped the previously undefeated Swans at the SCG on Sunday. The Lions won the hard way; coming from 14 points down at three-quarter-time to win by 23 points. 

Sydney beat the cross-conference premiers twice last year, and the result looked to be heading their way again on Sunday morning, as they led at every change and looked the marginally better side. But the Lions underlined why it is favourite to win back-to-back flags, with a blistering final quarter burst sealing the 15.14 (104) to 11.15 (81) win. After struggling in front of the big sticks for the first three quarters – kicking just eight six-pointers, the Lions booted seven unanswered goals in the last term, to turn a likely loss in to a comfortable win.

The Lions head the NEAFL ladder with 24 points and a percentage bordering on 200, a game ahead of second-placed Southport (who were defeated by Gold Coast), and two games to the good of Morningside in third.

Captain Jordan Lisle continued his push for senior selection, with a team-high four goals, while Richard Newell and Patrick Karnezis slotted three majors apiece.

Sam Docherty was best afield off half-back and through the midfield, responding in the best possible manner after being omitted from the seniors, with ruckman Sam Michael and rebounding stopper Ryan Harwood were other standouts.

SCOREBOARD

Brisbane Lions   1.5      6.8      8.11      15.14 (104)
Sydney Swans     2.2      7.6      11.7      11.15 (81)

GOALS
Lions: Lisle 4, Newell 3, Karnezis 3, Banfield, Gambale, Bresnehan, Crisp, Raines
Swans: Morton 5, Towers 2, Perris, Everitt, Robinson, Jack

BEST
Lions: Docherty, Michael, Harwood, Newell, Crisp, Lisle
Swans: Walsh, Morton, White, Mitchell, Everitt, Richards 

Sam Canavan is a journalist with the NEAFL, you can follow him on twitter @samcanavan