Lions ease past Swans
Brisbane’s hard running power has proven too much for a rusty Sydney, with the Lions scoring a 36-point NAB Challenge win over the Swans in Coffs Harbour.
Only wayward kicking cost the Lions a more decisive margin on Friday, but they still scored a 0.10.15 (75) to 1.4.6 (39) win.
It was the Lions’ second win in as many weeks following a three-point victory over Gold Coast last week.
• It’s time to kill off the NAB Challenge
• Young Bulldog Tom Liberatore to miss entire season
• Eagle Eric Mackenzie has ruptured ACL
Brisbane’s midfield brigade dominated the game and created far more scoring opportunities than a sloppy Sydney side that committed too many errors and turnovers.
Josh Green kicked three goals as the Lions showed they could manufacture plenty of scoring chances, even without a dominant tall forward following the retirement of Jonathan Brown in the second half of last season.
Sydney had around two-thirds of their losing grand final team playing, but lacked any kind of forward presence in the absence of injured stars Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett.
The Lions got plenty of run from Tom Rockliff, James Aish and Dayne Zorko, who racked up 25, 24 and 22 touches respectively.
Co-captain Kieren Jack was Sydney’s best, totalling 22 possessions, the same as Josh Kennedy, but Sydney had few standout performers.,
Daniel McStay set the early tone with a couple of first quarter set shot gaols from close to 50 metres, as the Lions jumped to a 15-point quarter-time lead, and then 21 by halftime.
The only time Sydney looked like launching a rally was briefly in the third quarter, when they got to within 13 points.
A goal to ruckman Mike Pyke was followed by the only super goal of the contest to Lewis Jetta, who spent time on the half-back line.
But Brisbane kicked the next three goals ether side of the last break to secure a comfortable and well deserved victory.
New Lions recruit Mitch Robinson suffered a quadriceps injury and was substituted, while Sydney’s Sam Reid spent time off the ground after hurting an ankle.