After a disappointing loss to the Redland Bombers in their pre-season preparations, the Brisbane Lions Reserves were keen to claim the honours in their Round 3 NEAFL rematch. It was not their day however with Redland 22.15 (147) emerging victorious over the Brisbane Lions Reserves 5.10 (40) on a steamy Saturday afternoon.
Lions were without stars from last week: Rohan Bewick, Jackson Paine, Tom Cutler and Nick Robertson who were all called up to the senior team for their clash against Port Adelaide. Their presence was sorely missed as the Lions struggled to put pressure on the more experienced Bombers outfit.
Redland dominated early in the first term, winning key centre clearances and making minimal mistakes. After drawing first blood, the Bombers then went on to score four consecutive unanswered goals midway through the first term due to defensive errors. The margin blew out to 27 points at one stage before the Lions were able to slow the game down and regain composure late in the first quarter. Zac O’Brien managed to slot a late goal to pull the margin back to 19 points at quarter time.
The Bombers struck early in the second with two long-range goals followed by another two in rapid succession without reply from the Lions. The Reserves struggled to halt the momentum Redland was gathering as they mounted a constant siege on the young Lions backline. Isaac Conway scored the only Brisbane goal of the 2nd quarter before Redland replied in emphatic fashion scoring three quick consecutive goals to lead by 67 points at half time.
The Reserves looked a different team when they took to the field for the 3rd quarter, slowing down the game and scoring rate. Although only managing three behinds for the quarter, the Lions were able to restrict the Bombers to only 8 points. Brisbane looked promising in small spells but were unable to capitalise and trouble the scorers.
The final quarter had a steady start but the young Lions team was unable to stem the flow of Bombers goals midway through the 4th with Dzufer starring for Redland in front of the sticks. Charlie Driffield was successful in his only attempt at goal and Andrew Raines managed to snare a goal amidst a Bombers onslaught. Redland cruised to victory with three unanswered goals, including one after the siren to blow the margin out to 107 points.
“It was a pretty disappointing day. We played a good side in Redlands who are going to feature this year we think in the finals,” Coach Gary O’Donnell told lions.com.au
“Not a lot went right, just little patches of the game we were able to defend better and keep the ball up our end and do less running.
“We were a little bit undermanned but the effort at times was inconsistent, so we will be back to the drawing board in that regard.
“It will be a long, hard year of development for us. We have a very young side so it is important we develop our players so they can go on to play AFL footy.”
The Reserves play Aspley next week away and will be hoping to return to winning ways.FINAL SCORE
Lions Reserves: 2.3 3.7 3.10 5.10 (40)
Redland Bombers: 5.4 14.8 15.10 22.15 (147)
LIONS GOALS: Freeman, O'Brien, Conway, Driffield, Raines
BEST: O'Brien, Polkinghorne, Raines
