Brisbane have dismissed a pair of damage considerations after Will Ashcroft reaffirmed his AFL readiness within the Lions’ 46-point follow match defeat of Geelong.
Brisbane received 13.13 (91) to six.9 (45) in Springfield on Thursday night time, father-son decide Ashcroft proving elegant across the contest with 26 touches.
But the scoreboard dominance did not inform the complete story, the defending premiers lacking forwards Jeremy Cameron (rested) and Tom Hawkins (foot) once they did not kick a objective from 20 first-quarter inside 50s.
The Lions, thumped by Geelong in final season’s preliminary remaining, had simply 9 ahead entries however led 28-2 on the first break after which 45-15 at halftime.
Notable was the Lions’ defensive transition, 18-year-old Ashcroft central because the hosts fluently launched into open areas within the ahead line.
“Early on Geelong were getting a fair bit of supply, it was pleasing to see the mids arrest that momentum, particularly from centre bounce,” Brisbane assistant Cam Bruce mentioned.
“We were losing the territory game … but our ball movement was hurting them and the strength of Brisbane over the years has been quality ball movement.”
Hipwood left the sport within the third quarter with a corked thigh and a sore head after a heavy contest that led to a Brisbane objective, whereas Geelong’s Jake Kolodjashnij quickly adopted him after colliding with a teammate.
Brisbane key defender Jack Payne was the opposite damage scare, icing his hamstring within the fourth quarter.
But Bruce advised reporters post-game that each might have performed on, whereas Geelong hadn’t but assessed Kolodjashnij’s standing.
Lions midfielder Josh Dunkley and new co-captain Neale each had 31 touches whereas fellow recruit Jack Gunston kicked the primary objective of the night time courtesy of a intelligent Ashcroft kick.
The different new Lions co-captain Harris Andrews shaped the core of a stable line of defense, with Payne assured too as he makes an attempt to fill Marcus Adams’ boots this season.
Halfback Darcy Wilmot was additionally spectacular, the 19-year-old and Ireland’s former Essendon flyer Conor McKenna each full of life as they combat for a round-one berth within the again six.
Mark Blicavs (gastro) was a late out, whereas Isaac Smith was rested by Geelong and Brisbane’s Dayne Zorko (hamstring) omitted as he goals for a round-one return.
Joe Daniher booted two objectives whereas Darcy Fort and Lincoln McCarthy did the identical in opposition to their outdated golf equipment. The Cats’ Tyson Stengle additionally booted two objectives.
While Ashcroft shone, Geelong omitted their highly-rated draft decide Jhye Clark, whereas Gold Coast recruit Jack Bowes was additionally omitted after impressing final week.
Cats assistant Shaun Grigg mentioned choices have been primarily based on particular person preparation, confirming Cameron could be match for spherical one however Hawkins remained doubtful.
“Tanner Bruhn showed again he’ll be a good player for us,” Grigg mentioned.
“Sam Simpson got his go and Esava Ratugolea in the backline showed us that there’s a lot to work with so we’re really happy with our prep so far from the pre-season.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
