There was no love lost at Brighton Homes Arena as the Brisbane Lions overran highway rivals, Southport on Friday night. 

While the clash was used only as a practice game, that didn't stop the physicality early, with plenty of heat around the ball almost immediately. 

Brisbane got away to a hot start thanks to a 50m penalty that gifted Noah Answerth the first goal of the game.

Answerth was impressive in his first match since shoulder surgery and looked clean with the football and tough around the contest.

Wylie Buzza hit the scoreboard twice and extended Brisbane's lead to 17 points at quarter time, before Southport swung momentum in the second, reducing the margin to just eight at the main break.

Southport had chances to snatch the lead, but an outstanding performance from Brisbane's newest recruit, Darragh Joyce, dented their efforts.

The 25-year-old was exceptional in the air, repeatedly clunking intercept marks that halted the Sharks attack.

However, it was Jarryd Lyons who was best-on-ground for Brisbane.

Lyons led from the front and was clinical, racking up plenty of touches and was a noticeable step above with his ball use and stoppage work.

Darcy Fort did his chances of winning a spot in Chris Fagan's AFL side no harm, kicking two majors and dominating hit-outs on the night. 

In more positive news for Lions fans, youngsters Jaspa Fletcher and Kai Lohmann both got through their return games unscathed, with the latter back to his entertaining  ways immediately thanks to an attempted mark of the year in the second quarter.

VFL-listed player, Bailey Gordon caught the attention of many with his work through the midfield and footy IQ, while Harry Sharp tackled hard and had some good moments with footy in hand.

Final Score
Brisbane 85 def Southport 54

Goals: Fort x2, Buzza x2, Lane, Coleman, Cockatoo, Brain, Answerth, Derksen
Best: Lyons, Fort, Joyce, Answerth, Buzza, Sharp

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