Fages said while we got off to a fumbly start, he was pleased with the performance we put in.

“It was a contest that we needed after playing ourselves for several months. It was good to have a hit-out against a really good team in Sydney,” he said.

“I thought you could tell the guys were a little bit fumbly and scratchy with some pressure, but after we fixed that up, I thought he put in a really good performance.”

While our newest Lions caught the eyes of commentators and fans, our Coach was impressed with some more familiar names.

“I was really pleased to see that Rayner went well down back and I thought Darcy Wilmot played well up on the wing.”

“Jack Gunston popped up with some goals and Brandon Starcevich played some pretty selfless footy.”

Now it’s all eyes on Geelong according to Fages.

“It was a great start today, and good to get another challenge next Thursday night at Brighton Homes Arena against the best team in the comp.

“I’m really looking forwad to that.”