The Lions kicked six goals in the opening term and matched their opponents throughout the first half but found scoring much harder thereafter, falling 16.15 (111) to 11.8 (74).
“Our first half was good and the scoreline reflects that,” coach Nathan Clarke said of his side trailing by seven points at the long break.
“The effort and the intent was better and in the end we got beaten by a more skilful and energetic team.
“They had 21 of their (listed) guys out there playing and they’ve got some talented young players. In saying that we’re disappointed with how we dropped off in the end.”
The Lions beat the Giants in an entertaining game at Coorparoo in May although GWS had a number of listed players missing that day.
Staker, in his second game back from an April knee reconstruction, moved much more freely and had the better of a duel with Israel Folau.
Folau was not disgraced and still returned four goals, although half of his tally was when Staker was resting.
“Brent was well and truly above the level for two and a half to three quarters,” Clarke said. “He fatigued late and a few of his kicks went astray but he was very good.”
Aaron Cornelius also earned top marks after being close to pulling out of the game due to quad soreness that began at halftime of last week’s loss to Aspley.
Cornelius was extra lively with two goals and as a roaming marking target.
Amon Buchanan burrowed under the packs and ensured the Lions won their share of clearances.
“We all appreciate how he goes about it week in, week out when clearly younger blokes are getting games in front of him with the direction the club is taking,” Clarke said. “You’ve got to be admired for that.”
The Lions’ other strong contributor was Tom Collier, who restricted highly rated Giants forward utility Josh Bruce to a solitary goal.
“Tom certainly had the better of that duel and was composed in defence,” Clarke said.
“We were quite vulnerable late in quarters. We had a few bigger bodied types that don’t run as well as the 75kg types and we just lack that little bit of depth.
“GWS kicked four goals every quarter so they never blew us away. They just kept getting that goal ahead and iced the game late.”
SCOREBOARD
GWS Giants 4.4 8.5 12.10 16.15 (111)
Brisbane Lions 6.0 7.4 9.7 11.8 (74)
GOALS - GWS: I. Folau 4, C. Hampton 3, A. Carey 2, J. Cameron 2, J. Townsend 2, J. Bruce , A. Treloar , S. Schulz. Lions: A. Cornelius 2, B. McCulloch 2, A. Kitching 2, A. Buchanan , M. Austin , J. Polec , R. Newell , B. McCauley.
BEST - GWS: J. Townsend, S. Darley, J. Giles, T. Bugg, D. Shiel. Lions: B. Staker, A. Cornelius, A. Buchanan, T. Collier, J. Dyson.
