The Lions reserves have fallen away after a positive start against the WSU Giants at Spotless Stadium on Sunday, run into the ground by stunning performances from Adam Tomlinson, who gathered a staggering 52 disposals, and Jack Steele (43 disposals), going down by 53 points.
A five goal burst early in the second quarter catapulted the Giants into the lead after an arm wrestle of a first quarter, and the men in orange never looked back against a Lions team featuring eleven non-listed players.
A late change saw the Lions head into the match without Jarrad Jansen, who was missed sorely in a midfield that struggled to compete with the Giants ball winners as the match wore on.
The Lions forward pressure and inside 50 entry showed a marked improvement from previous weeks in the first quarter, resulting in goals to Brock Aston and Josh Watts.
But rudimentary skill errors across half forward on a dry day cost the Lions in the second term, as the Giants punished them on the scoreboard for nearly every turnover.
The Giants could have buried the Lions in the third quarter, but poor kicking resulting in a return of 1.6 kept the Lions in the contest at the last change.
The home side piled on the first 4 goals of the last quarter by the 7 minute mark, scuppering any chance of the Lions snatching their first win of the season.
Marco Paparone was effective in his role at half-back, collecting 27 disposals and 9 marks, but could not ultimately plug the leaks in a reserves backline dearly missing fullback Jackson Paine.
Josh Green worked his way into the game in the midfield and ended up with 24 touches, also pushing forward and finishing with 1.2.
Archie Smith (16 disposals) again dominated the hitouts, helping the Lions win that particular stat 55-25.
Reuben William continued his development as a rebounding defender, showing pace in open space and willingness at the contest with 18 possessions.
Youngsters Lachlan Niland-Rowe and Brock Aston were also impressive, whilst fellow top-up Charlie Pershouse led the Lions goalkickers with 2.
Talls Josh Walker and Eric Hipwood were quiet, posting 8 touches and 1 goal apiece.
The Lions will be optimistic of securing their first win of the season next week when they take on the injury decimated Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba on Saturday evening.
WSU GIANTS 2.0 9.2 10.8 19.9 (123)
BRISBANE LIONS 2.1 5.5 6.7 10.10 (70)
GOALS
Giants: Stewart 3, Kennedy 2, Downie 2, Reid 2, Lloyd 2, Steele 2, Flynn 2, Tomlinson, Himmelberg, Simpson
Lions: Pershouse 2, Copland, Hipwood, Dawson, Green, Watts, Aston, Walker, Warren
BEST
Giants: Tomlinson, Steele, Kennedy, Lloyd, Himmelberg, Stewart
Lions: Paparone, McGuinness, Green, Niland-Rowe, William, Smith
Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
More on Lions.com.au
Women's Match Report: v Demons
Lions V Melbourne: Watch highlights
