The Brisbane Lions Reserves were given a major fright by a determined Western Magpies before steadying for a 16.9 (105) - 11.10 (76) victory at Sherwood yesterday.

The day began badly for the Lions with elevated rookie list player Pearce Hanley injuring his hamstring in the opening minute of the game.

The lowly Magpies - who have not won a game in the opening eight rounds of the QAFL Velocity Sports Cup season - underwent a series of meetings during the week in the lead-up to the game in a bid to improve their competitiveness.

Whatever was said had the desired effort, with the home side taking a six-point lead into quarter-time and extending that to eight points at the main break.

Running players Ben Heffernan-Roper and Matt Stevens led the charge, with Matthew Skubis battling manfully again.

The Lions won their share of hitouts through Joel Tippett, who looks to be finding his feet after a long injury lay-off.

Tippett became more influential as the game wore on and his midfielders took control in the second half, adding five goals to two in each of the last two quarters.

Omitted midfielder Travis Johnstone ran hard and picked up possessions at will for the visitors, who drew level on points with Morningside, Southport and Redland at the top of the Velocity Sports Cup premiership table.

It was a far from convincing performance in the first half as the Magpies threw everything at the visitors, who arrived with 13 listed players.

The number was four more than when seriously challenged at Broadbeach a fortnight ago, and the Magpies deserve plenty of credit for their efforts.

Luke Scott, Ed McDonnell and teenager Drew Mitchell all figured prominently.

But the Magpies failed to shut down the effect of half-back Daniel Dzufer, who was often freed up and used the ball well to set up numerous attacks.

Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff continued their consistent form in the midfield, taking over in the second half, with Todd Banfield giving plenty of run and grunt.

The competition has a general bye this weekend for the Queensland-Tasmania clash in Hobart on Sunday.

Former Lion Robert Copeland, one-time Lions and Hawks rookie Paul Shelton and ex-Melbourne star Jeff White are expected to be in the final 22 for the clash against a Tasmanian side coached by former Brisbane Lions assistant coach Matthew Armstrong.

Scores from the game will be updated regularly on aflq.com.au from 2.30pm on Sunday.

A State Under 21 team will also travel to Melbourne for a contest against the Victorian Amateurs Under 21s. 

SCOREBOARD

WESTERN MAGPIES    3.1   7.6   9.9     11.10   (76)
BRISBANE LIONS         2.1   6.4   11.5   16.9     (105)

GOALS - Magpies: Hamill 2, Pennycuick 2, Friis 2, Stevens 2, Heffernan-Roper, Spencer, Parkes. Lions: Labi 3, Reading 3, Banfield 2, Redden 2, Rockliff 2, Collier, Hawksley, Selwood, Vogae.
BEST - Magpies: Heffernan-Roper, Scott, Skubis, McDonnell, Mitchell, Stevens. Lions: Johnstone, Dzufer, Redden, Banfield, Rockliff, Tippett.

LADDER

Morningside: 6-2, 24 points (177.4%)
Southport: 6-2, 24 points (163.7%)
Brisbane Lions 6-3, 24 points (132.7%)
Redland 6-2, 24 points (122.3%)
Northern Teritory 5-3, 20 points (118.4%)
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Mt Gravatt 5-3, 20 points (100.6%)
Labrador 3-5, 12 points (88.9%)
Broadbeach 3-5, 12 points (83.3%)
Aspley 1-8, 4 points (55.6%)
Western Magpies 0-8, 0 points (43.6%)