The Brisbane Lions VFL side kicked off their season in style recording a 37-point win over Essendon at NEC Hangar on Saturday afternoon.

A dominant third term propelled the Lions to victory 15.9 (99) to 9.8 (62).

It was an arm wrestle for the opening bounce with Essendon bursting out of the blocks with the first two goals.

The Lions opening major went to draftee Logan Morris, who finished with four goals for the day in his first outing in Brisbane colours.

Fellow draftee Luke Lloyd booted his first major for the Club to hand the Lions a three-point lead.

It was the Lions midfield which went to work thanks in large part to James Tunstill.

Tunstill, who put his hand up for senior selection, finished with two goals, 31 disposals, six marks, five tackles and four clearances to lay claim to best on ground honours.

Morris’ second was the only goal for the first 10 minutes of the second quarter with the Lions next coming through Kyle Dunkley.

In a tight and fierce contest, it was the Lions who led at the main break by seven points.

New recruit Ewan Macpherson impressed with a game-high 11 tackles and a goal.

Jaxon Prior, Shadeau Brian and Jack Payne led the Lions defence throughout the day keeping the Bombers to under 10 goals.

Prior controlled the flow of the game from half-back with 30 touches and six marks.

A nine-goal third term blew the game open with Morris booting his third and fourth, joined by Tunstill and Payne’s two goals.

Lloyd’s second extended the margin while Henry Smith and draftee Reece Torrent also hit the scoreboard.

A 52-point lead going into the final term held the Lions in good stead with Kalin Lane getting them off to the perfect start in the fourth.

Holding off a late couple of goals from Essendon, Brisbane ran out 37-point winners to open their account.

Tom Doedee made a successful return to football against the Bombers, while on limited minutes will give the Lions coaching staff plenty to think about before the AFL side’s Easter Thursday clash against Collingwood.

Following a solid Round 1 performance, the Lions will now turn their attention to Collingwood’s VFL side and their first game at Brighton Homes Arena on Good Friday next week.

ESSENDON         62
BRISBANE          99

GOALS
Brisbane: Morris 4, Tunstill 2, Payne 2, Lloyd 2, Torrent, Macpherson, Dunkley, Smith, Lane

BEST
Brisbane: Brain, Prior, Payne, Tunstill, Morris