The NEAFL Brisbane Lions have gone down to the first-placed Sydney Swans Reserves by 135 points this morning at Blacktown International Sportspark.
It was a hot start from the ladder leaders, with the Swans kicking five goals in the opening 15 minutes of the game.
Experience showed, with the young Lions side being no match against a damaging Swans outfit led by Ben McGlynn (32 Disposals, 1 Goal) and premiership player, Ted Richards (2 Goals).
Tom Cutler put his hand straight back up for senior selection, gathering 26 disposals, making four tackles and kicking a goal.
Josh Clayton continued his impressive form in the NEAFL with 25 disposals, seven marks, six tackles and a goal.
Trent West relished his opportunity playing as the key ruckman, dominating the hit outs 46-27, along with getting 20 touches and kicking a goal of his own.
As usual, Captain Jackson Paine (22 disposals, 12 marks) was prolific down back, on a day where there was no shortage of opposition goals.
Regular top-up player and former Queensland U18 representative, Soul Cormick influenced the game for the Lions, gathering 27 disposals and seven marks.
Key forward Michael Close contributed on the ground and in the air, finding 19 disposals and taking 10 marks.
It was a match that showcased the future of the Lions, with 11 talented players topping-up from the Hyundai Help for Kids academy.
The Lions Reserves will be looking to finish off their 2016 NEAFL Season in impressive fashion when they travel to take on the UWS Giants in two weeks time, but appreciate having a bye next round after today’s physical contest.
NEAFL BRISBANE LIONS: 1.0 1.2 2.5 3.7 (25)
NEAFL SYDNEY SWANS: 6.2 11.1 18.11 24.16 (160)
GOALS
Lions: Clayton, Cutler, West
Swans: Reinhard 4, Murray 4, Richards 2, Rose 2, Newman 2, Davis 2, Wilson, Hiscox, Hebron, Dawson, Robertson, Brown, McGlynn, Galloway
BEST
Lions: Clayton, Cutler, West, Paine, Close, Cormick
Swans: McGlynn, Newman, Rose, Foote
Blacktown International Sportspark
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