From the time the AFL released the 2019 fixture this season-opener had the strong scent of danger emanating from it.

 

Brisbane had shown in 2018 that it was a club on the rise; not necessarily from the amount of games won, but by the method with which they played.

 

The Lions were also strengthened by the addition of players like Fremantle midfielder Lachie Neale, his close mate, Geelong forward Lincoln McCarthy, and experienced midfielder Jarryd Lyons.

 

Include another 12 months of development into the likes of Hugh McLuggage, Jarryd Berry and Cameron Rayner and they were always going to be a dangerous first-up foe.

 

So often teams that finish one season strongly carry that form and confidence forward and build towards having a strong impact.

 

Initially that did not appear to be the case on this balmy, humid Brisbane evening as West Coast started the match strongly.

 

While much had been made of the Brisbane youth, the Eagles also boasted some emerging talent, with Jack Petruccelle, Oscar Allen and Jarrod Brander among the inclusions – with premiership players Josh Kennedy, Will Schofield, Willie Rioli and Jamie Cripps all unavailable.

 

In addition, St Kilda recruit Tom Hickey made his debut for the club.

 

The young corps of Eagles had an impact early and helped the visitors establish a solid start, leading by 27 points at the first change.

 

The query going into the game was where the Eagles could source their goals, and Allan combined with Jack Darling to provide headaches for the Lions defence.

 

Additionally, the defensive pressure of Petruccelle, who used his pace to chase down and lay important tackles, and Liam Ryan also looked threatening inside the attacking 50 metre arc.

 

Unfortunately, after the quarter-time break, the Eagles wilted, Brisbane gained confidence and momentum and outplayed the premiers for the last three quarters of the game.

Star midfielders Luke Shuey and Dom Sheed continued to work had in conjunction with Elliot Yeo, but the connection with the forwards consistently broke down and the Lions were dangerous on the counter attack.

 

McCarthy and Charlie Cameron were ubiquitous in attack, along with Raynor, while Neale was damaging through the midfield and Daniel Rich distributed the ball with his customary efficiency from the back half.

 

While West Coast was still in the contest to three-quarter time, the failure to score in the third term was alarming.

 

The Lions then put the foot to the metal in the last 30 minutes and on the back of an undisciplined last 10 minutes from the Eagles, careered away to a convincing 44-point victory.

 

It was the heaviest defeat to a reigning premier in almost 40 years and left the club with much to ponder.                      

 

 

Brisbane Lions           1.5       8.6       11.10     15.12    102
West Coast Eagles      6.2       7.5         7.5       8.10     58

 

Goals – Brisbane: McCarthy 4; C Cameron 3; Rayner 2; Neale, Mathieson, McCluggage, Bastinac, Rich, Zorko.

            West Coast Eagles: O Allen, Darling 2; Sheed, Yeo, Ryan, Venables.