An outstanding team performance helped the Brisbane Lions to rout Aspley by 108 points in their AFLQ Velocity Sports Cup clash at Coorparoo on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions did not have a non-contributor as they withstood a feisty opening by the Hornets and then accelerated away with each quarter to win 25.16 (162) to 8.6 (54).

With ruckman Jamie Charman and skilful utility Jared Brenan in their midst, the Lions were always going to be hard to beat, but every player was at the top of his game.

“There were not too many negatives,” admitted Lions coach Craig Brittain. “They just knuckled down and performed their roles.”

The match was moved away from the Gabba due to forecast heavy rain, but it did not affect the mindset of the Lions.

Matt Austin was lively early with two first quarter goals and James Polkinghorne took a number of strong contested marks as the Lions led 2.3 to 0.0 inside five minutes of play starting.

However, Lucas Matthews continued his excellent form from last week and got some key touches as the Hornets hit the front with their fourth goal 17 minutes into the term.

The Lions steadied with three late goals, with Tom Collier setting up wave of attacks from defence, and it was academic from there.

Polkinghorne continued to provide an avenue to goal all night and finished with three majors, while Austin booted four goals and always looked dangerous.

Lachlan Henderson worked tirelessly up and down the ground, providing a reliable marking target and kicking three goals.

First year draftee Todd Banfield was dynamic at half-back and provided great run and drive. .

Charman was energetic and aggressive and particularly effective in the first and final terms, although young rivals David Hill and Dylan Reid never took a backward step.

“The most important thing was just getting the four quarters into him,” Brittain said of Charman.

Reid took some nice marks around the ground and was one of his side’s better players.

Todd Panaho gave his side plenty of grunt and ran hard to provide an option, although his night was soured by being reported for making front on contact on Austin in the second term.

The Lions were much slicker with their touch, although Brent Evans stood firm alongside Matthews in the clinches and the lightly framed teenager Trent Manzone did some good things for his side.

Ben Weightman kicked two outstanding goals in the first term but the opportunities dried up thereafter and so did his influence.

Brennan played his first game in five weeks after tearing a quadriceps muscle during the pre-season.

He booted 2.2 in the opening term and picked up some quality touches in the midfield later in the game before taking an early shower halfway through the third quarter.

Charman and Brennan looked ready to a senior recall if it comes, while the busy Scott Harding and Polkinghorne also appeared primed if required.

“Like I said to all the players at the end of the game, there’s a lot for them to look forward to on Friday whether they are playing against Collingwood or the Northern Territory,” Brittain said.

Brisbane Lions   7.5   14.9   19.12   25.16 (162)
Aspley Hornets  4.0   5.4     7.5       8.6 (54)

GOALS - Brisbane Lions: Austin 4, Polkinghorne 3, Henderson 3, Cornelius 3, Harding 3, Murphy 2, Brennan 2, Tyler, Banfield, Charman, Hanley, McIvor.
Aspley: Weightman 2, Manzone 2, T Panaho, Walker, Tapp, Dzufer.
 
BEST - Brisbane Lions: Polkinghorne, Harding, Redden, Henderson, Austin, Hanley, Banfield.
Aspley: Matthews, B Evans, T Panaho, Reid, Campbell, Copeland.