Bottom placed Brisbane Lions remain winless this AFL season after being overwhelmed 17.16 (118) to 9.11 (65) by West Coast Eagles at the Gabba on Sunday.
Lions skipper Tom Rockliff’s swift return from broken ribs could not inspire Brisbane who were their own worst enemies against an injury-hit West Coast.
Time and again Brisbane turnovers gifted the Eagles goals and the Lions never recovered, slumping to a woeful 0-4 start to the season.
The Eagles (2-2 record) appeared vulnerable ahead of the clash after their defence was ravaged by the unavailability of Mitch Brown and Eric Mackenzie with question marks over Jeremy McGovern’s fitness.
However, the Lions – also battling a huge injury toll of their own – showed why they are ranked last in the league in defence – and offence too for that matter – by failing to apply any pressure.
Despite Tom Cutler being guilty of several clangers, he persisted and registered a career-high 32 disposals.
But there were few highlights from a Lions side that has arguably gone backwards since last year’s fourth-last finish.
There may be some hope for Brisbane though, with their next match against the competition’s only other winless side Gold Coast
The Lions captain (16 touches) came back three weeks early from broken ribs and a punctured lung suffered in the first round.
For the Eagles, they move to two wins and two losses, but the win could have come at a cost with Luke Shuey leaving the field with a suspected ankle injury.
West Coast led 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7) at the first break with three goals coming from turnovers.
Brisbane continued to gift goals as the Eagles led by 28 at the main break and 44 at the final interval.
For West Coast, Josh Kennedy and Josh Hill both kicked three goals while Sam Butler notched 28 touches and two majors.
For Brisbane, Mitch Golby had 25 touches and Daniel Rich two majors and 20 disposals.
michael steel
Guest
My opinion is that if Voss was not sacked they would be the same 0 wins and 4 losses. The club lost some handy players when he was sacked but nothing irreplaceable. His sacking like his appointment was desperate and unprofessional. He tried to buy a premiership in his first year, and it backfired, however in Voss's first year Brendan Fevola's 51 goals from 17 games was not the disgrace it was made out to be.
PeteThePitbull
Guest
Can i please get your opinions on this.If Voss was never sacked would the lions be where they are right now?
michael steel
Guest
I can see the Brisbane Lions winning six of their last six of their last eight games and being hailed as big improver for 2016. Because this happens every year. In fact that's how they play their football. They do nothing for three quarters and when their opponent is playing to avoid injuries they make a late charge which miraculously comes off about once every 2 seasons. My belief and it's a gut feeling that the Lions lost plot after their third premiership. Yes they made the grand final in 2004 but the club was stagnant that year only accepting Marcus Ashcroft's retirement and allowing every other over 30's player to make his own call., and since then it's just gone from bad to worse. I expected them to be at worst 1 win and 3 losses after round 4. They've been smashed four times.