The Brisbane Lions VFL side have kicked off their 2025 Smithy’s VFL campaign perfectly, taking the win over Port Melbourne at Brighton Homes Arena this morning.
A hotly contested game which was closer than the scoreboard suggested, the Lions were able to kick away in the second half running out 16.10 (106) to 11.15 (81) winners.
Darcy Gardiner made a successful return to football, booting three first half goals, as the Lions led at every change on a sweltering morning at Springfield.
Despite the hot and humid conditions, the Lions kicked nine second half goals after leading by 12 points at half-time.
Darcy Fort and James Tunstill stood out, Fort collected 18 disposals and eight clearances, but it was his 38 hitouts which proved the difference, giving the Lions midfield first use at the source.
Tunstill resumed his strong VFL form from 2024, amassing 29 disposals, six marks, six tackles and eight clearances to go along with his two goals in a best on ground performance.
Charlie Offermans was strong in his first outing in Lions colours since 2022, collecting 21 touches, providing VFL coach Ben Hudson with plenty of run and carry on the outside.
Henry Smith opened proceeding with his only major for the contest as Gardiner booted two in a row to get the Lions off to the perfect start.
Tunstill’s first helped the Lions to an 11-point quarter time lead but two quick Port Melbourne goals after the break ensured the contest stayed tight.
Gardiner’s third and majors from Youi Brisbane Lions Academy member and debutant Fergus McFadyen along with Jack Manly, saw the Lions regain control of the scoreboard.
The key Lions defenders competed well all game accounting for the dangerous Port Melbourne talls in a see-sawing affair which saw an even inside 50 count for the game.
Taking a 12-point lead into the main break, it was Tunstill’s second which kicked off a five-goal quarter for the Lions.
Offermans kicked his first goal for the year and Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds, who played for the Lions in their 2013 NEAFL premiership side also booted a goal.
Darcy Craven and Ty Gallop both kicked truly to help the Lions to a 20-point, three quarter time advantage, Craven finished with 13 disposals, two majors and a game-high nine marks.
Youi Brisbane Lions Academy product Wyatt Greenaway steadied the ship with his set shot after a tense opening stanza to the final term, but it was three goals in a row which sealed the game.
Majors to Brandon Ryan, Ben Thomas and Craven’s second saw the Lions come away 25-point winners.
The Lions will now freshen up with a bye next weekend before travelling to Melbourne to take on Richmond in Round 3.
Final Score
Brisbane 16.10 (106) def Port Melbourne 11.15 (81)
Goals: Gardiner 3, Tunstill 2, Craven 2, Thomas, Smith, Ryan, Offermans, McFadyen, Bertoli-Simmonds, Manly, Greenaway, Gallop
Best: Tunstill, Offermans, Fort, Gardiner, Zakostelsky, Craven
