The Lions Reserves continue to cut a swathe through the NEAFL competition, with UWS the latest side to be swept under the runaway Brisbane train.

The Giants were powerless to stop last year’s reigning premiers, the Lions kicking ten goals in each half to record a convincing 88-point win, and maintain their perfect start to the year.

The 20.16 (136) to 7.6 (48) victory was built on the back of the Lions’ midfield brigade’s dominance, led by the likes of Patrick Karnezis, Jack Crisp, Sam Docherty and Todd Banfield, who were dominant around the ground and at stoppages.

The Lions’ tackling numbers were high all afternoon, and they restricted their opposition’s uncontested marks; controlling the football for the majority of the day.

After a slow start, which saw the home side up by five points at quarter-time, the Lions worked their way into the game, kicking 18 of the 22 majors registered after the first break, to win, and boost their percentage to more than 200% in the process.

While the aforementioned on-ball contingent were influential, tough nut Ryan Harwood, and ruckman Sam Michael were also outstanding, and spearhead Aaron Cornelius bagged a season-high eight goals to be the dominant forward on the ground.

Lions mentor Leigh Harding was happy to chalk up another win, though he wasn’t entirely satisfied with the display.

“While it was good to get the four points, we didn’t play as well as we have at other times of the year,” Harding said.

“We were a little bit off defensively at times, and our delivery into the forward 50 left a little to be desired. We’ll have to tighten up those areas of our game against Southport this week.”

SCOREBOARD

Brisbane Lions  2.3     10.6   13.11    20.16 (136)
UWS Giants      3.2     3.4      6.6       7.6 (48)

LIONS GOALS – Cornelius 8, McKeever 2, Banfield 2, Paparone 2, Karnezis 2, Michael, O’Brien, Bartlett, Stevenson.    

LIONS BEST – Lions: Karnezis, Banfield, Cornelius, Docherty, Harwood.