THE BRISBANE Lions remain winless this season and rooted to the bottom of the ladder after being overwhelmed by West Coast at the Gabba on Sunday.
The Eagles were on top all day, and ran out 17.16 (118) to 9.11 (65) winners.
PHOTOS: Round 4 Photo Gallery Lions vs Eagles
Lions skipper Tom Rockliff's swift return from broken ribs and a punctured lung could not inspire the Lions, who were their own worst enemies against an injury-hit West Coast.
Time and again turnovers gifted the Eagles goals and the Lions never recovered, slumping to a 0-4 start to the season.
The Eagles (2-2) appeared vulnerable ahead of the clash after their defence was ravaged by the unavailability of Mitch Brown and Eric Mackenzie, and with question marks over Jeremy McGovern's fitness.
However, the Lions, also battling a huge injury toll, showed why they were ranked last in the league in defence - and offence too for that matter - by failing to apply sufficient pressure.
Despite Tom Cutler being guilty of several clangers, he persisted and was one of the Lions' best, registering a career-high 32 disposals.
But there were few highlights from a Lions side that has arguably gone backwards since last year's fourth-last finish.
Coach Justin Leppitsch said improvement with his young team was not going to happen overnight.
"We'd all like it to happen tomorrow, and don't worry I do too, more than anyone, but we have to keep persisting and pursuing and playing the way we play," Leppitsch said.
"It'll get better. There was glimpses today we did it well."
WATCH: Rd4 Post Match Press Conference
There may be some hope for them though, with their next match against the competition's only other winless side Gold Coast.
Rockliff came back three weeks early than expected from injuries suffered in the first round, but could manage only 16 touches.
The Eagles win could have come at a cost, with Luke Shuey leaving the field with a suspected ankle injury.
West Coast led 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7) at the first break, with three goals coming from turnovers.
The Lions continued to gift goals as the Eagles led by 28 points at the main break and 44 at the final interval.
For West Coast, Josh Kennedy and Josh Hill both kicked three goals while Sam Butler notched 28 touches and two majors.
For the Lions, Mitch Golby had 25 touches and Daniel Rich two majors and 20 disposals.
BRISBANE LIONS 1.1 4.4 5.9 9.11 (65)
WEST COAST 5.3 8.8 12.11 17.16 (118)
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Green 2, Rich 2, Andrews, McStay, Christensen, D.Beams, Martin
West Coast: Hill 3, Kennedy 3, Butler 2, Nelson, Shuey, Cripps, McInnes, Sheppard, LeCras, Sheed, Yeo, Rosa
BEST
Brisbane Lions: Zorko, Martin, D.Beams, Cutler, Rich
West Coast: Butler, Priddis, Cripps, Gaff, Naitanui, Rosa
INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Nil
West Coast: Shuey (ankle)
SUBSTITUTES
Brisbane Lions: Josh Green replaced James Aish in the third quarter
West Coast: Liam Duggan replaced Luke Shuey in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: O'Gorman, Findlay, Mitchell
