Brisbane's new faces stole the show during its match simulation win over Sydney on Friday, with Jack Gunston, Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft all playing starring roles.

Gunston kicked three goals and Dunkley two, while Ashcroft was one of the best players on Tramway Oval as the Lions ran out 45-point winners.

On an almost perfect day of practice for Chris Fagan's men, Hugh McCluggage and Lachie Neale – who left the field with an ankle tweak in the third term - got plenty of midfield touches, while Harris Andrews and Keidean Coleman looked assured in defence.

But it was the off-season recruits that turned heads.

Gunston, the triple premiership Hawk, kicked one goal early and then two just after half-time as the Lions opened up a match-winning lead on the way to the 15.9 (99) to 8.6 (54) triumph.

He worked beautifully alongside Eric Hipwood (one goal) and Joe Daniher (two), having five set shots at goal.

Dunkley split his time between midfield and forward, taking two strong marks for goals, while Ashcroft could hardly have been more impressive.

The No.2 father-son pick from last year's NAB AFL Draft found the ball at will with his clean hands at ground level and excellent skills by hand and foot often putting the Lions inside 50.

He played a prominent role in goals for Hipwood and Gunston.

Brisbane kicked five unanswered goals in the third quarter to open some breathing space, although Sydney appeared to rotate more players.

Lance Franklin came on to play the second half only, but with a lack of opportunities, was well held by Jack Payne.

Stand in Captain, Harris Andrews spoke on his sides performance, saying the connection was building.

"It was a good hit-out," he said.

"It was great to continue building our connection and I thought our team defence was really strong.

"I thought Dev Robertson was really solid through the mid and forward lines."

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YOUNG GUNS

If there was any doubt Will Ashcroft would play in round one, he put that well and truly to bed with a polished showing.

Not only did he win plenty of his own ball, but the teenager does plenty of his damage in the front half of the ground to have maximum impact.

SWITCHING POSITIONS

Former No.1 draft pick Cam Rayner was played at half back after training there all pre-season.

He looked assured in his one-on-one contests in the first half, and then started to have some impact with the ball in the second.

Darcy Wilmot, a half-back in his three finals appearances last year, spent his time on a wing and was steady. 

INJURY WATCH

The one question mark coming out of the game for Brisbane is Lachie Neale.

The Brownlow medallist appeared to tweak his ankle in the third quarter, and although walked around without assistance afterwards, left and the field and did not return.