A dominant opening quarter by the Brisbane Lions midfielders set the tone for an impressive win in their second NAB Challenge game in Townsville. 

The venue itself was a beautiful backdrop and adds to the AFL calendar in Far North Queensland, an important future market.

The Lions and Suns battled it out in sweltering conditions with temperatures hovering just above 30 degrees and humidity of around 67%, which proved a great test of the respective clubs off-season training programs.

The most pleasing aspect of the fast start from the Lions was their intensity at the contest and superior control of possession, which denied the Suns' time and shocked their composure when they did have the ball in hand.

Two players who stood out in the middle of the ground for the Lions were Vice- Captain Tom Rockliff and Jack Redden.

Rockliff led the way for the Lions amassing 32 possessions, six marks and contributed eight tackles to the cause. His work rate was first class and he also showed clean hands in the high humidity.

Redden had 28 possessions, six marks, contributed 10 tackles and also kicked two classy goals when he found space in the forward fifty.

The midfield depth of the Lions proved too much for the young Suns with good contributions from Brent Moloney, Sam Mayes, Daniel Rich and Claye Beams.

It was a pleasing win for new Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch, particularly after taking a young and inexperienced side to Etihad Stadium to face reigning premiers Hawthorn the previous week. 

This week you could see that the Lions defended the corridor at all times and forced the Suns to try and move the ball along the boundary. What this resulted in was pressure on the Suns to be clean when moving the ball, however they were not, and it resulted in them turning the ball over numerous times. The Lions then immediately looked to switch across the half backline.

The Lions showed against the Suns the type of football that they are capable of playing this year.

While some commentators are forecasting a tough season ahead for the Lions, I believe there is plenty of cause for optimism.

The Lions will still be pinching themselves that young James Aish slipped through to them at Pick 7. With two years of senor football for Norwood in the SANFL under his belt leading into his maiden AFL season, he looks composed and makes great decisions under pressure. After a 14-disposal game against the Hawks last week, Aish improved his output to 19 possessions against the Suns.

The match also provided some valuable game time for the Lions backline to get their chemistry flowing prior to the season. Two-time best and fairest winner Joel Patfull, Captain Jed Adcock and Daniel Merrett, returning from a big injury at the end of 2013, all looked good while blowing out the cobwebs from a long pre-season. Ryan Harwood put in a great effort also and finished the day with 24 possessions for his endeavour.

Pearce Hanley was probably the pick of the defenders showing his typical dash, swerve and evasive skills running off half-back, and Suns did not have an answer for him. He finished with 27 possessions and looks fit and ready to light up the Gabba again this year.

The big question remains as to their forward line structure for the upcoming season and what Leppitsch sees as the best combination for the team.

Jonathan Brown and Brent Staker were both missing, and Ash McGrath has been mooted for a move forward this year. The beauty of having Luke McGuane and Michael Close kicking three majors each is that it provides a nice headache for Leppitsch and how he potentially fits them into his starting 22.

One would think that Jonathan Brown would play this season from the goal square where he can use his size and strength to his advantage. Brown is an accurate kick from anywhere in and around the fifty-metre arc and it would be a waste for both Brown and the Lions if he is found anywhere near the forward flanks or the wings chasing kicks. 

Brown can possibly have a 50-60 goal season if he stays near goal and plays as the target man. Brown will no doubt attract the best defender each week and this, in turn, opens up the forward line for his teammates.

The Lions will have one final pre-season hitout against the Swans at Burpengary on Saturday 8 March 2014 to finalise what they see as the team to take into their Round 1 clash with Hawthorn in Launceston.

Call me an optimist but I am bullish about what the Lions can achieve this year.

Carl Nimb is an independent writer who will contribute to lions.com.au throughout the season. 

You can follow him on Twitter @CarlNimb