An eye-catching introduction by teenager giant Daniel Murray and more strong performances by a number of players on the fringe of senior selection were highlights of the Brisbane Lions reserves’ big win over the Northern Territory at the Gabba on Friday afternoon.

The Thunder trailed by just 14 points at halftime before the Lions kicked up a gear and ran away with a 25.14 (164)-11.10 (76) victory.

The marking of Scott Clouston, Lachlan Henderson, Matt Tyler and Matt Austin was a feature, particularly in the second half as the Lions slammed on 16 goals to four.

It was another clinical display by the Lions, who have been most impressive in each of their three victories.

Murray’s first game for the club was timely, given the injuries to ruckman Matthew Leuenberger and now Jamie Charman.

Still only 18 and a member of the club’s rookie list, the former East Perth player moved well and looked to have some football nous.

Sidelined until now due to osteitis pubis, Murray was prominent at the centre bounces and even stronger in the air around the ground in his short stints during the first half.

Standing at 200cm and 98, the 18-year-old gave first use of the ball to the busy Albert Proud and Scott Harding, who gave the Thunder nightmares all night.

The persistent Thunder kept running and backing themselves in the first half, with skipper Jarred Illet and ruck-rover Mark McLean holding their own.

Excitement machine Relton Roberts kicked two good early goals and will-o-the-wisp Bradley Palipuaminni exploded in the second term.

Big Lions forward Clouston provided a reliable marking target early and continued in that vein after the long break, when Henderson, Tyler and Austin really fired up.

The quartet took a string of strong marks between them as the Lions poured on 16 goals to four.

Henderson’s four goals gives him 10 for the season and he sits in second place on the AFLQ Velocity Sports Cup goalkicking table.

“That’s always going to be an issue for us, if the opposition talls get their hands on the footy we’re in a bit of trouble,” said Thunder coach Michael McLean.

Palipuaminni was his side’s one shining light in the second half, although McLean and Ilett kept battling on.

The Thunder did not help their cause by constantly bombing the ball into their forward line, while the Lions were more incisive with their approach, constantly creating space for teammates to run into.

Clouston and Tyler also bagged four goals for the Lions, with Tyler proving a nightmare for McLean as a mobile ‘small’ ruckman.

James Hawksley was polished every time he had the ball, Austin chipped in with three second half goals, and Pearce Hanley more than matched his lightning fast opponents with his dash off half-back.

The Thunder suffered an injury blow in the second half, with the experienced Shannon Rusca injuring a hamstring.

The Lions, Mt Gravatt and Redland are the only unbeaten sides, although coach Craig Brittain and his troops face a big test against Southport at Fankhauser Reserve at 1pm on Saturday.

Scoreboard:

Brisbane Lions   7.2, 9.8, 16.11, 25.14 (164)
Northern Territory   4.3, 7.6, 9.7, 11.10 (76)

GOALS - Lions: S. Clouston 4, M. Tyler 4, L. Henderson 4, M. Austin 3, T.Banfield 2, S. Harding 2, A. Proud 2, T. Rockliff, J. Hawksley, J.
Polkinghorne, C. Murphy. Thunder: I. Vallejo 2, D. Ewing 2, R. Roberts 2, B. Palipuaminni 2, D. Kent, J. Puautjimi, C. Schild.

BEST - Lions: M. Austin, A. Proud, S. Harding, A. Cornelius, P. Hanley, J. Hawksley. Thunder: B. Palipuaminni, M. McLean, M. Cannard, I. Vallejo, J. Ilett, K. Lohde.