The Brisbane Lions have fallen at the second last hurdle following a 51-point defeat to Casey in the VFL Preliminary Finals.

In windy conditions at Casey Fields, it was a physical contest early with even opportunities for both sides forward of the centre.

Casey’s pressure around stoppage was impressive from first bounce, forcing uncharacteristic fumbles and rushed disposals from Brisbane.

With Tom Fullarton a late call up for the Lions AFL side, Brisbane was stretched in the talls department but fought hard to mitigate the impact of Melbourne forwards Tom McDonald, Jacob Van Rooyen and Mitch Brown early.

After quarter time, the Demons experience around the contest proved a handful for Brisbane, dominating clearances 50 – 39 with speedsters Oskar Baker, George Grey and Toby Bedford combining for 17 inside 50s.

While Brisbane matched much of the inside 50 count, the quality of delivery and composure from Casey proved the difference, with the Demons running out to a 33-point lead at half time.

Brisbane’s magnets were moved around, and Ryan Lester moved into a ruck/mid role as the Lions looked to be up the hunt in the third quarter thanks to an early major from Blake Coleman.

However, Casey was able to wrestle momentum back and dominated in the air as their key forwards put the game out of reach for Brisbane.

Mitch Robinson put his best foot forward for the Club, finishing with a game-high 29 disposals to go alongside six tackles and 5 clearances.

Friday nights medical sub, Rhys Mathieson was busy with 23 touches, five inside 50s and a classy goal while Henry Smith was impressive in his ruck performance and looms as an exciting prospect for the Lions.

The 19-year-old finished with 25 hit-outs, 15 disposals and nine tackles. VFL-listed player Will Fletcher also showed his class in a midfield under fire, collecting 24 touches, five clearances and looked composed with ball in hand.

Final Score

Casey Demons (99) def. Brisbane Lions (48)

Best: Robinson, H. Smith, Fletcher, Madden, Mathieson, Lester
Goals: Lohmann x2, Cockatoo, B. Coleman, Mathieson, Sharp, Tunstill