The 80-point margin gives the undefeated Lions an impressive percentage of 229%, which proved enough to leapfrog second-placed Southport who also remain undefeated after four matches (with a percentage of 154%).
The Lions once again kicked away after the main break – booting 14 goals to the Cats’ three after half-time.
“The second half was really pleasing,” Reserves Coach Leigh Harding told lions.com.au.
“We started using the ball well going forward, and gave our forwards the chance to score in better positions.”
Harding attributed the Lions’ impressive second halves to improved fitness levels gained over summer.
“The boys are really fit and confident, and they draw on that late in matches,” he said.
“It’s really pleasing to see that we are running out games strongly.”
The match also marked the on-field returns of Simon Black and Brent Staker, who have overcome their respective knee injuries.
Both players made a valuable contribution to the team – with Black typically prolific in limited game time.
“They were very good. Both had an impact and pulled up well,” Harding said.
“Both played a bit over 60% of match time. Blacky played mainly throughout the midfield, while Stakes was trialled on the wing and up forward.”
“Black, in particular, was all class and seemed to have a little bit more time than everyone else on the field.”
After being dropped from the senior side last week, James Polkinghorne responded with a best-on-ground performance in the midfield, highlighted by a game-high 38 disposals.
“He came back (to the Reserves) with a really good attitude,” Harding said.
“We played him on the ball and he was a bit of a link player for us. He won the contested ball, but was also able to find space and get some outside ball as well.
Another positive for the Lions was the continued development of rookie Nicholas Hayes, who enjoyed his finest match at senior level so far.
“Nick has been super. We’re really happy with how he’s progressing,” Harding said.
“He hasn’t put a foot wrong since the start of the season and just seems to gets into the right spots.”
“We put him in the midfield this week alongside Black, which would have no doubt been a huge buzz for him. He would have ended with close to 30 touches as well.”
Harding also praised the efforts of the Lions Academy top-up players, particularly scholarship holder Isaac Conway.
“Everyone knows that Isaac can play the inside mid role, but over the last month we’ve tried him across half back to help develop his game,” Harding said.
“He seems to be enjoying the challenge and was dominant down back last weekend. He reads the play really well, but also provides some offensive run. It’s also nice to know that he can rotate through the midfield if we need.”
SCOREBOARD
Brisbane Lions 3.6 6.9 13.12 20.16 (136)
Broadbeach 2.3 4.7 4.11 7.14 (56)
GOALS: Lions – Cornelius 6, Lisle 4, O’Brien 2, Stiller 2, Hayes, Tickner, Close, Staker, Polkinghorne, Karnezis. Cats – Pound 2, Brewer 2, McKenzie, Crawford, Emery.
BEST: Lions – Polkinghorne, Hayes, Conway, Banfield, Karnezis, Bourke. Cats – Shreeve, Hancock, Geary, McConnochie, Ellis, Emery.
