Effort and intensity – that's what Brisbane Lions NEAFL Coach Mitch Hahn ordered from his players at South Pine Sports Complex on Saturday, and it’s exactly what he received.

In what was an arm wrestle for most of the game, the Lions NEAFL side managed a 21-point win against Redland in hot and humid conditions.

It was a tight contest from the start, with the first goal of the game coming from Brisbane Lions Rookie Oscar McInerney, who received a free kick inside 50.

Backing up from Thursday night’s Senior JLT Community Series win against the Western Bulldogs, Archie Smith and McInerney looked quite the ruck duo. Both players moved well around the ground, and showed their mobility; competing both in the air and on the ground.

In his return from injury, Lions swingman Dan McStay showed plenty up forward, taking a huge contested mark at the end of the first term. It appeared that McStay, who has put on plenty of size over the INC pre-season, hadn’t missed a beat.

Matt Eagles in action against Redland. (Photo: David Layden)

Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy player Will Fletcher was impressive early, kicking one goal before half time, while Matt Eagles, who played as a key in defence, competed hard against the Redland big men.

The Lions went into the main break with a 5-point lead, before Redland came out firing in the third, kicking 2.4 to the Lions’ 1.1.

Redland took a 4-point lead into three-quarter time before the Brisbane Lions put their foot on the accelerator.

Reuben William was put at half back, after playing the first three quarters in the forward line. His run and spread created problems for Redland.

Rhys Mathieson and Josh Clayton both lifted in the final quarter, kicking a goal each in what was an impressive display from the youngsters.

Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy Player Sam Copland was also one to watch in the final term. He kicked two important goals, including one beautiful banana from the pocket.

It was Blake Grewar that put the game out of Redland’s reach. In his first game against the team he was recruited from, Grewar kicked an impressive on the run goal, and suddenly the Lions had the game in the bag.

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Speaking after the match, Brisbane Lions NEAFL Coach Mitch Hahn said that he challenged his side to fight it out in the final quarter.

“I just basically said to the boys that we want to start creating a winning culture and winning habits. Even though it was a practice match, we had a scoreboard there and every time we go out onto the ground, we want to win. The players certainly responded to that,” Hahn said.

The Brisbane Lions won with a score of 9.8 (62) – 5.11 (41).

Rhys Mathieson and Jarrad Jansen led the way in the midfield.

Mathieson had 26 disposals, four marks and two inside 50’s. Jansen gathered 22 disposals, five inside 50’s and nine tackles.

Josh Walker takes a big mark. (Photo: David Layden)

In defence, it was Josh Walker who led the way. With Jack Frost set to miss Round 1 due to suspension, it appeared that the Lions trialled Walker in the backline – and it proved to be a successful move.

Walker played on former Lions NEAFL captain Jackson Paine. He finished with 17 disposals and six marks (two contested).

Liam Dawson also competed hard in the backline, finishing with 21 disposals and nine marks.

In attack, it was McStay who was most impressive. He took two contested marks and finished with one goal to his name. With more match practice, you can expect him to build from here.

As a whole, Hahn said that he was really impressed with his team’s effort.

“I’m really pleased with how the boys went about it. Their effort, intensity and their pressure at the contest was fantastic,” Hahn said.

“I think the Thursday night game from the Seniors certainly gave them some zip to be able to come out and perform like they did today.

“We were able to set a standard from day dot, and we’ll hopefully grow from here.

“I’m really impressed with the whole group and how they attacked the game.

“We’re a young group and we’re going to make skill and decision errors at times, but certainly with the coaches we’ve got in place, we’re going to be able to work with those guys through the week. So we’re in a really comfortable position with that.

“It’s still a journey, and it’s still going to take us a lot of time to get to exactly where we want to get to, but that growth and reward for their hard work in the pre-season – it’s good for them to get that.”

Lions goal kickers:

Oscar McInerney, Will Fletcher (2), Dan McStay, Rhys Mathieson, Josh Clayton, Blake Grewar, Sam Copland (2)

Final Score:

Brisbane Lions: 9.8 (62)
Redland: 5.11 (41)

Also see: Senior Match Report