The Brisbane Lions Reserves have gone down to reigning premiers Northern Territory Thunder 7.5 (47) to 20.15 (135) in humid conditions at TIO Stadium.
Darren Ewing was prolific in front of the posts for the Thunder in his 150th game, snaring eight goals and taking his career total to 995.
The Thunder were electrifying in the first term kicking the first five goals of the game and opening up their lead.
However, the Lions had some respite from a Michael Close goal to drag the margin back to 22 at quarter time.
The Lions were far more competitive in the second stanza but were let down by skill errors and poor execution.
Thunder captain Shannon Rioli was explosive in transition and linked with former AFL and Brisbane Lions player Jared Brennan in the midfield to provide dangerous run and carry.
Trent West was a shining light for the Lions, winning the majority of hit-outs in the ruck and maintaining a high work rate.
Young Brock Aston was lively at ground level and finished with two goals for the Lions; a confidence booster for the Wests Juniors prospect.
The Lions were valiant in the third but eventually ran out of juice in the fourth quarter, conceding six goals to two.
Following a quiet couple of quarters, Ruben William was a standout performer for Brisbane in the final term, racking up numerous possessions and using the ball well through the corridor.
After a tough night at the office, the Reserves will welcome a week off with the bye round to recover and prepare for their clash against the Suns Reserves at Metricon Stadium on July 9.
LIONS RESERVES 1.4 2.5 5.5 7.5 (47)
NT THUNDER 5.2 9.9 14.13 20.15 (135)
GOALS
Lions: Aston 2, Close 2, Dadds, Paparone, Watts
Thunder: Ewing 8, S.Rioli 3, Shannon 2, Brennan, Cooper, Lewis, Ilett, Rosier, Talbot, Wills
BEST
Lions: West, Cormick, Paparone, Clayton, Aston, William
Thunder: S.Rioli, Brennan, Beugelaar, Ilett, Rosier,
TIO Stadium, Darwin.
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