The Brisbane Lions have continued their strong start to the season, defeating the UWS Giants in convincing fashion by 39 points at Coorparoo Oval.
In a match where the strong breeze was a factor, the Lions had to come from behind before running over the top of their opponents to win 14.18-102 to 8.15-63.
Ryan Harwood was particularly impressive for the Lions, amassing 30 possessions and controlling the play out of defence.
The Lions kicked the opening goal of the match through rookie Richard Newell but after that the visitors used the wind to their advantage to lead by 28 points at the first change.
Whatever coach Leigh Harding said at quarter-time appeared to have an impact and as the sun broke through the clouds over Coorparoo, the Lions began to shine.
With Jordan Lisle, Callum Bartlett and Harwood in the thick of the action, the Lions used hard running and slick ball movement to put on seven unanswered goals to lead by 15 points at half-time.
The third quarter started just like the previous two, the Giants scoring with the breeze at their backs in the opening minute, their first major since the opening term.
A second goal to the Giants reduced the margin to just six points in Brisbane’s favour and after another to the UWS the scores were level at 58 points a-piece.
But a great running goal to Newell put the home side back in front. Harwood continued to provide much-needed grunt through the midfield, while Todd Banfield started to have an influence on the wing.
The Lions’ persistent forward pressure also paid off with a goal to Polec just before the siren, giving Brisbane a thirteen-point lead at three-quarter time.
The final quarter saw the visitors do all the early attacking but for little reward. Harwood was once again productive in defence, moving the ball forward with purpose.
Then a goal to Marco Paparone put the Lions up by 18 points. After that, it was all Brisbane
Two more majors to the Lions saw the home side take a commanding 29-point lead. As the score moved beyond doubt, Aaron Cornelius, Harwood, Bartlett and Banfield were particularly damaging. A late goal to Newell from directly in-front (his third) was the sealer for the Lions.
Coach Leigh Harding said he was pleased with the Lions’ performance after the UWS had got the early jump on his players.
“We let them off the leash and to UWS’s credit, they were in front first and shocked us a little bit,” he said.
When asked what the difference was after quarter-time, Harding said that tactically, his side made some adjustments and were able to better control the flow of play. He also noted the more positive outlook from his players after the first break.
“There was definitely a different attitude after quarter-time,” he said.
“We played the way we wanted to play and it was pleasing.”
The Lions meet the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium next Saturday afternoon.
