The Brisbane Lions have kicked off 2023 in perfect fashion with a strong win over the Sydney Swans, as they ran out 45-point winners - 15.9 (99) to 8.6 (54) - win in front of a sizeable crowd at Moore Park.
It was a complete four-quarter performance as the Lions led at every change thanks largely to three goals to new recruit Jack Gunston and two apiece from Josh Dunkley and Keidean Coleman.
Both sides escaped the contest without any serious injury despite a scare to Lachie Neale. The Lions confirmed that the Brownlow Medallist suffered a corked quad and was subbed out in the third quarter as a precautionary measure.
It was the perfect start for the Swans as Errol Gulden, who mostly played in the midfield, slotted the opening goal within 15 seconds of the contest.
A heavy shower greeted the two teams in the opening term with the Swans midfield largely getting on top of the conditions through the usual suspects in Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills.
Once the rain cleared however, the Lions began to stamp their authority on the contest with goals to Gunston and Dunkley to give Brisbane a 12-point lead at the first change.
As with all the quarters, the Swans started hot before the Lions wrestled back momentum. The Swans booted four goals to two in the second quarter to cut the margin down to two at the main break.
Swans ruckman Peter Ladhams was out with a calf injury which forced Lachlan McAndrew to face up against Lions tall Oscar McInerney. The mismatch was apparent as the Lions midfield got first crack at the ball for the majority of stoppages resulting in a five goal to none quarter.
Sydney kicked the opening two goals of the last and the home crowd sensed a potential comeback. However, a crucial goal from Dunkley stemmed the flow and eliminated any hope of a comeback. Late goals to Charlie Cameron, Coleman and Joe Daniher confirmed the 45-point win.
The 3 takeaways
Will Ashcroft is a certainty for the Rising Star
The 18-year-old proved that the hype surrounding him is warranted as he shone the brightest in a midfield stacked with talent. Ashcroft was consistently first to the ball at the contest and dominated clearances throughout the afternoon.
Lions forward coach Jed Adcock told SEN that the club has high hopes for Ashcroft in season 2023.
“He’s pretty good isn’t he,” Adcock said.
“He’s ultra competitive and ultra professional.
“He’s had a year to really prep himself for AFL and we are very lucky to have him.
“It’s been a really nice start to his career.”
It’s early days but in a small sample size, Ashcroft shows he belongs at AFL level and should be an early favourite to take home the Rising Star award.
Sydney’s ruck stocks pose a massive risk for 2023
With Tom Hickey out for the first few weeks of the season, Ladhams will shoulder a heavy burden in the ruck. Ladhams was absent with a calf complaint that he sustained during the Swans' intra club match.
22-year-old Lachlan McAndrew fought valiantly but struggled against a more experienced campaigner in Oscar McInerney which had a big impact on the final result.
Swans assistant coach Dean Cox said he was happy with McAndrew’s output and expects him to back up Ladhams who Cox confirmed would be fit for Round 1.
“(McAndrew) battled well,” Cox said in the post match press conference.
“Playing against a bloke who has played a lot of senior footy and it was a massive learning curve for him.
“He has come a long way in a short amount of time.
“Pete had some tendonitis on his knee but he will be right to go next week (against Carlton).
“It’s a big couple of weeks for Pete.”
Lions spread of goal kickers will be hard to stop
Despite having the height advantage during the match, it wasn’t the tall forward line of Eric Hipwood, Daniher and McInerney who dined out on the Swans.
The midfield and half-back line chipped in on the scoreboard which was pleasing to see from Adcock’s perspective.
“It’s always something we’ve tried to do is to spread the goals,” Adcock said.
“We try and spread all the guys to have shots at goal.
“It makes it harder to defend us.”
The Lions host the Geelong Cats in their next practice match at The Gabba on March 2 whilst the Swans play Carlton at Blacktown International Sports Park on March 3.