Brisbane v Collingwood
Brisbane looked anything but rusty in its first hitout since last season's premiership, taking care of a mixed Collingwood outfit by 13 points.
While it was no surprise to see Neale and Cam Rayner have big impacts, most eyes were on how the Lions forward line would look without retired Joe Daniher and injured Eric Hipwood (groin).
Sam Day started out of the goalsquare, halving most of his marking contests against Darcy Moore and chipping in with some ruck minutes, but it was youngster Gallop that caught the eye.
The Youi Brisbane Academy graduate finished with two goals, the first coming after an excellent aerial contest and follow up at ground level.
The Lions kicked the game's first three goals as they moved the ball swiftly from one end to the other in transition.
Ryan Lester was excellent, Will Ashcroft did some nice things and Jaspa Fletcher looked even more assured on the wing entering his third season.
The Magpies – who split the experience and class between two teams that would play an hour apart – started slowly but looked more assured in the final 15 minutes to close the margin.
The younger Daicos was comfortably the best player on the ground, kicking a late goal from 45m to cap a huge performance.
Boom Port Adelaide recruit Dan Houston had a quiet first outing at half-back, while Harry Perryman, who headed south from Greater Western Sydney, played an entirely midfield role.
BRISBANE 3.3 5.9 (39)
COLLINGWOOD 0.2 4.2 (26)
GOALS
Brisbane: Gallop 2, Rayner, Neale, Cameron
Collingwood: Hoskin-Elliott, Schultz, Elliott, N.Daicos
Gold Coast v Brisbane
IT MIGHT have been pre-season, but most of this game had a home and away feel to it.
Brisbane kept much of its best team on the field for the first two thirds of the contest, but the fresh Suns were too much to handle.
Led by Rowell, who was incredible around the contest and dangerous when he went forward, Gold Coast came with an intensity not often seen at this time of the year.
Bailey Humphrey kicked a goal from outside 50m after getting on the end of a centre clearance, as just one highlight in an eye-catching performance.
Walter (two goals) was the dominant forward on the ground, flying for marks, crunching Ryan Lester as the veteran Lion drifted back with the flight of the ball, and competing hard at ground level.
Tempers frayed midway through the first period when Ben Long turned his shoulder into Levi Ashcroft after the Lions' father-son draftee had disposed of the ball.
Brisbane received the downfield free kick, resulting in a goal, while older brother Will and a number of teammates ran in to remonstrate with Long.
The younger Ashcroft – who seemed to be at the heart of most of the game's fiery moments – was then crunched in mid-air by Leo Lombard, with the young Sun coming off second best and clutching his right shoulder.
Lachie Weller excelled in his new wing role, John Noble had some nice moments in his club debut and Sam Collins was his usual stingy self.
Rayner again looked exceptional for Brisbane.
GOLD COAST 4.2 7.5 (47)
BRISBANE 2.0 6.1 (37)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Walter 2, Ainsworth, Gulbin, Humphrey, Rogers, Andrew
Brisbane: Rayner 2, Beecken, Bailey, Marshall, Gallop
Fantasy tempter
Fantasy coaches enjoyed the work of Dayne Zorko (DEF, $1,131,000) last season as he hit his best numbers since 2017. He was at his best taking marks and demanding the ball. When Levi Ashcroft (MID, $328,000) was given his opportunity in the Lions' second match, he immediately got his hands on the ball. He should be high on your cash cow watchlist.
New recruit Harry Perryman (MID, $759,000) has an on-ball role as a key member of the Pies' centre bounces. Although playing as a defensive midfielder may cap his scoring, his tackling will be a bonus if he can still find the ball in transition. Fantasy Draft coaches should keep in mind Josh Daicos (MID, $973,000) should be a good chance to gain DEF status during the season.
Could Bailey Humphrey (FWD, $465,000) offer some late value in Fantasy Draft? With multiple centre-bounce attendances and hitting the scoreboard, he could be worth grabbing towards the end of your draft as a breakout contender.
