The Brisbane Lions VFL side have gone down to a strong Footscray outfit in Round 17 Smithy’s VFL action on Saturday afternoon.
The Lions gave up eight goals in the opening term as the Bulldogs piled on 114 points to run away 17.12 (114) to 12.16 (88) winners.
Returning home to Brighton Homes Arena, the Lions were without key midfield duo Deven Robertson and Jimmy Tunstill but looked to build on a strong win over Carlton in Round 16.
Goals to Brandon Ryan and Will McLachlan ensured the Lions hit scoreboard before quarter-time after the Dogs booted the first five majors of the game to lead by 38 points.
Henry Smith enjoyed a strong day in the ruck and around the ground booting one goal, collecting 17 disposals, 25 hitouts and seven clearances.
Youi Brisbane Lions Academy members, Tyan Prindable, on debut, finished with 19 touches, five tackles and six clearances.
While second-gamer and fellow Youi Lions Academy product, Matthew Owen showed promise throughout the contest collecting 16 possessions.
Another hot start to the second term saw the Dogs lead stretch to 60 points before momentum swung.
Two goals to Fergus McFadyen, along with majors from Jack Manly and Smith helped the Lions roar back into the contest.
A late Footscray goal saw the Lions trail by 45 points at the main break.
Reece Torrent and Manly led a young Lions midfield, but it was Conor McKenna who showed the way on field.
The Irishman finished with three majors, 21 touches and five marks while Torrent amassed 24 disposals, nine clearances and five tackles.
Manly also booted two goals to go with his 15 possessions and six clearances.
McKenna booted the opening goal of the second half as both sides traded majors with Ryan slotting his second.
Inaccuracy plagued the third term with both sides kicking multiple behinds as the Bulldogs took a 47-point advantage into the final term.
Footscray booted the first goal but it was all Lions after that as they surged back into the contest.
Manly’s second, McFadyen’s third and back-to-back majors from McKenna brought the margin back to 21 points to send a scare through the Bulldogs.
The Lions would rue missed chances in front of goal booting 14 behinds in the second half the Bulldogs took the win by 26 points.
Travelling to Gold Coast next weekend, the Lions will be looking to bounce back in the QClash at People’s First Stadium.
Final Score
Brisbane 12.16 (88) def by Footscray 17.12 (114)
Goals: McKenna 3, McFadyen 3, Ryan 2, Manly 2, Smith, McLachlan
Best: McKenna, Torrent, Brain, Smith, McFadyen, Prindable
