Lance Franklin has shown he means business in 2018, putting on a show in Sydney's thumping 55-point victory over Brisbane in Saturday's JLT Community Series match at Burpengary.
Franklin played all four quarters in the 14.11 (95) to 5.10 (40) victory, kicking four goals and giving off two more to be easily the most influential player at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.
Kicking against a strong breeze in the first quarter, the Swans eked out a two-point lead and then put on the jets to run away from a Lions outfit that lacked polish.
The visitors kicked 11 goals in succession after quarter time before Ben Keays stopped the rot midway through the final quarter with two goals.
Prized No.1 draft pick Cameron Rayner had a quiet game, notching just the five disposals.
Sydney have some injury concerns though, with defender Allir Allir (ankle) not coming on after quarter-time and ruckman Callum Sinclair (ankle) hobbling off in the third term.
Franklin was exceptional in the blustery conditions.
The Sydney superstar got the scoreboard ticking over in the first minute of the match, roving a forward-50 stoppage and strolling into an open goal.
He kicked two in the second term, including a trademark bomb from outside 50m, and another in the third.
The Swans' backline was particularly impressive, thwarting a Lions team that too often bombed the ball inside 50 with little thought of where it was going.
Dane Rampe (21 disposals) and Callum Mills (18) were composed in the defensive half, while usual midfield suspects Josh Kennedy (25), Kieren Jack (22) and Luke Parker (21) were prolific at the coalface.
The Lions competed hard in the clinches, winning the clearances 34-23 on the back of Stefan Martin's ruck dominance, but couldn't make the most of their 39 inside-50s.
Martin was a colossus, racking up 21 touches, 26 hit-outs and seven clearances.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Brisbane: Although beaten soundly, the Lions have made clear advances in their contested footy. Against a strong Sydney outfit, they lost the count 121-119 and won the clearances comfortably (34-23). Despite playing just three quarters, Tom Bell – dropped last season for, in part, his lack of contested work – had 11 in that department to trail just Stefan Martin (12). Young mids Jarrod Berry (six clearances) and Rhys Mathieson (four) also battled hard.
Sydney: Robbie Fox's move to defence looks an early winner for John Longmire. Although still only an outside chance to play in round one, Fox gave himself every opportunity of a call-up with a polished showing against the Lions. He finished with 24 disposals at 75 percent and complemented Rampe, Mills and Lewis Melican nicely.
NEW FACES
Brisbane: It was a quiet day for No.1 draft pick Cam Rayner, but the 18-year-old showed enough to get Lions fans excited. He just pulled a 55m left foot shot at goal in the first term wide and was not afraid to throw his body around against much more senior opponents. Adelaide recruit Charlie Cameron (nine disposals) had an patchy day, and although running himself into trouble on a couple of occasions, showed the pace and flair that will make Brisbane a better team in the long run. Academy draftee Jack Payne applied himself well in defence, spending small moments on Franklin, including one full frontal tackle that caught the Swans star holding the ball.
Sydney: Third round draft pick Ryley Stoddart looked assured and capable of playing at the top level in his first season. Playing at half-back and moving up to the wing as the match wore on, the teenage left footer finished with 12 disposals and six marks at 75 percent efficiency. Late inclusion Darcy Cameron spent most of his time forward, but after Sinclair's injury, moved into the ruck.
NEXT UP
Both teams will round out their pre-seasons with local derbies. The Swans will play Greater Western Sydney at Blacktown on Friday night, just two weeks after the teams clashed in a practice match. The Lions will drive one hour down the Pacific Highway to take on Gold Coast at Southport on Sunday, where Luke Hodge is expected to debut for his new club.
BRISBANE 2.5 2.5 2.8 5.10 (40)
SYDNEY 3.1 6.6 9.7 14.11 (95)
GOALS
Brisbane: Keays 2, Hipwood 2, Christensen
Sydney: Franklin 4, Papley 3, Rose 3, Reid 2, Hewett, Parker
BEST
Brisbane: Martin, Bell, Taylor, Mathieson
Sydney: Franklin, Rampe, Fox, Mills, Kennedy, Papley, Rose
INJURIES
Brisbane: Nil
Sydney: Sam Naismith replaced in selected side by Darcy Cameron; Allir (ankle), Sinclair (ankle).
Reports: Nil
Official crowd: 1,901 at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex (Burpengary)
