Forgotten Lion Rhys Mathieson has dominated Brisbane’s big VFL win on Saturday afternoon, while Essendon’s backup ruck duo continued to press their case for senior selection.
Mathieson, who has fallen out of favour in recent years and only played one AFL game in 2020, was one of the Lions’ best players on a dominant afternoon in their VFL season-opener, kicking two goals and finding the footy on 31 occasions.
Deven Robertson, who played in Brisbane’s AFL side last weekend, impressed as well as he eyes a recall to the senior side, while Keidean Coleman kicked two majors and had 26 touches during the afternoon.
The Lions dominated the clash from the outset, kicking seven goals to one in the first term and didn’t look back from there, recording a thumping 66-point win at Moreton Bay Sports Complex.
While it was a dirty day on the field for the Bombers, they’ll be pleased ruckmen Andrew Phillips and Nick Bryan competed well and remain well in the frame to play senior football in the coming weeks.
Bryan was particularly impressive as he eyes an AFL debut in Sam Draper’s absence, with the 19-year-old having 21 touches and three marks as well as an impressive 34 hitouts.
In his second game back from injury, Patrick Ambrose played forward of centre Essendon opted to hold veteran David Zaharakis over for the AFL clash, suggesting he’s likely to be named the club’s medical sub for Saturday night’s game against the Lions.
FULL SCORE
Brisbane Reserves - 7.5, 12.7, 14.8, 15.14 (104)
Essendon Reserves - 1.2, 1.4, 4.6, 5.8 (38)