The Lions Reserves prevailed by 110 points in an NEAFL practice match against local powerhouse Morningside - 22.10 (142) to 4.8 (32).
Featuring an almost full team of 19 listed players, the Lions controlled the match from the outset against an undermanned Panthers.
Midfielder Ryan Harwood was a standout for the Lions, with his ability to both win the ball and hunt the opposition standout features of his game.
Rohan Bewick was also busy along with experienced ruckman Ben Hudson who Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke believed was clearly '"above the level".
The Lions' trio of young tall forwards - Aaron Cornelius, Jordan Lisle and Bryce Retzlaff - all made valuable contributions in a bid to impress the coaching staff ahead of the season opener.
Cornelius and Retzlaff each booted four goals, while Lisle showed great versatility in playing as a back-up ruckman to Hudson.
"Lisle probably spent 5-6 minutes in the ruck, which allowed Huddo to have a rest and also occasionally play up forward," Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke said.
"The three talls worked really well together and didn't do their chances (of senior selection) any harm."
Holding down the key posts in defence were rookies Justin Clarke and Sam Michael who limited the effectiveness of Morningside's dangerous forward line.
"Justin Clarke did a good job on Shaun Mugavin, while Sam Michael held down centre half-back," Clarke said.
Draftees Elliot Yeo and Patrick Wearden also showed plenty of promise. Wearden played in a range of positions from half-back to the midfield, while Yeo was given a greater opportunity to play in the centre.
The match also saw the return of Callum Bartlett who has been eased back into matches in 2012 after successfully recovering from a second knee reconstruction last year.
Despite the resounding win, Clarke said that his team had undergone a lengthier pre-season and were probably far better prepared for the practice match.
"There's definitely a discrepancy between the AFL and State League pre-season at this stage of the year," Clarke said.
"Morningside were undermanned and rested some of their players in the second half. But they still tested our boys physically."
The Lions Reserves will face the Gold Coast SUNS Reserves this weekend, in what will prove the final chance for some players to press for senior selection.
The side is also expected to be strengthened further, with Josh Drummond and first round draft pick Sam Docherty set to line-up for their first official matches of 2012.
"It will be a good test for us against Gold Coast," Clarke said.
"We're expecting that both Drummond and Docherty will be available to play, assuming they get through the week."
NEAFL PRACTICE MATCH SCORES
Brisbane Lions 22.10 (142) d Morningside 4.8 (32)
GOALS - Cornelius 4, Retzlaff 4, Buchanan 2, Harwood 2, Dyson 2, Bewick 2, Green, Lisle, Crisp, Wearden, Bartlett, Harvey.
BEST - Harwood, Bewick, Hudson, Yeo, Clarke, Crisp.
