The Kangaroos have quietly gone about their business to record a 34-point victory over the Lions at the Gabba.
Jarrad Waite lead the way for the Roos with five goals, while Ben Brown chipped in with three of his own. Boomer Harvey was important in this clash, picking up 24 disposals to go with 2 goals.
The Lions were lead well by the little guys, with Dayne Zorko and Lewis Taylor combining for 46 disposals and 4 goals. Josh Walker and Josh Schache were both handy up front, but the one-goal return from the two isn’t quite enough.
It was the second quarter that won the game for the Kangaroos, as they turned a four-point deficit into a 21-point lead, and never looked back. The Lions made things interesting a couple of times in the final quarter, but the Kangaroos had the answers to go to a 2-0 record.
Final score
Brisbane 11.17.83
North Melbourne 17.15.117
The Brisbane Lions play at the Gabba for the first time in 2016, taking on top-four hopefuls the North Melbourne Kangaroos. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:30pm (AEDT).
The Lions started with one of the toughest trips in football last weekend, going down to the Eagles in Perth by 64 points.
Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff both performed admirably, and similar performances from both are needed against a very good Kangaroos squad.
North started their season with a win for the first time since 2009, a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback seeing them down the Crows by ten points at Etihad Stadium. Brent Harvey was instrumental in the win, proving he’s still got what it takes at AFL level.
The Roos have the players to win this game (and win easily), but they haven’t been the greatest side at the Gabba, with only one win there since 2005.
The Lions make three changes for this match, with Mitch Robinson, Marco Paparone, and Jonathan Freeman all missing out. Paparone injured his hamstring last weekend, while Robinson suffered a calf injury. Daniel Merrett returns to sure up the defensive 50, while Josh Green and Dayne Zorko should add to their attacking threat.
The Kangaroos have Kayne Turner coming in for the injured Jed Anderson (hamstring). Turner has been impressive over his first two season, and the Kangaroos will welcome his relentless attack.
Todd Goldstein and Stefan Martin are two of the best in the business, so whichever of those two can get on top will go a long way to securing a win for their club.
Prediction
The Lions were just outclassed by a better side last weekend, but they certainly weren’t bad. North have a tendency to struggle in the Sunshine State, so I’m going to go for the upset.
Lions by 6.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
MVP VOTING 3. Jarrad Waite 2. Brent Harvey 1. Lewis Taylor
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Kangaroos have quietly gone about their business to record a 34-point victory over the Lions at the Gabba. Jarrad Waite lead the way for the Roos with five goals, while Ben Brown chipped in with three of his own. Boomer Harvey was important in this clash, picking up 24 disposals to go with 2 goals. The Lions were lead well by the little guys, with Dayne Zorko and Lewis Taylor combining for 46 disposals and 4 goals. Josh Walker and Josh Schache were both handy up front, but the one-goal return from the two isn't quite enough. It was the second quarter that won the game for the Kangaroos, as they turned a four-point deficit into a 21-point lead, and they never trailed the rest of the way. The Lions made things interesting a couple of times in the final quarter, but the Kangaroos had the answers to go to a 2-0 record. The Lions travel to Geelong next weekend to take on the Cats, while the Roos have Melbourne in Hobart. Thanks for joining me for this clash, and be sure to stick with The Roar for all of your Saturday Night Football needs.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
0' Just winding the clock down now, as we tick under 10 seconds to go. FULL TIME North Melbourne 17.15 117 def. Brisbane 11.17 83
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL KANGAROOS 0' Ben Cunnington gets away with a massive shove in the back, and Petrie will mark the subsequent kick. It's from about 10 metres out, and he kicks his first goal of the game. Lions 11.17 83 Kangaroos 17.15 117
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
1' There's been a few players getting pantsed tonight. Just for those who wanted to know...
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL LIONS 2' The Lions have an extra ahead of the footy, and Josh Green will find Tom Bell inside 50. His kick looks good off the boot, and he has himself a major. Lions 11.17 83 Kangaroos 16.15 111
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND KANGAROOS 2' The ball gets out the back, and Jarrad Waite will win the race. He has a fumble first up, but has enough time to get it to Swallow on the hands. Swallow has a fly from the pocket, and it slams into the left goalpost. Lions 10.17 77 Kangaroos 16.15 111
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL KANGAROOS 4' Jarrad Waite takes a strong mark in front of Pearce Hanley. The landing looked awkward, but he gets up just fine. He's about 30 metres from goal for the shot, and it goes through!! Lions 10.17 77 Kangaroos 16.14 110
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
4' Big collision between Daniel Wells and Darcy Gardiner just outside the Lions 50. There's a head clash in there, and Gardiner has found himself worse for wear. They're going to give Wells 50 metres here, and that seems like a harsh one. Lions 10.17 77 Kangaroos 15.14 104
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND LIONS 6' Merrett gets a free kick deep in defence, and the Lions will work the switch. Hanley marks on the wing, and he swings it inside to Lewis Taylor. He's got Christensen all by himself, and now a good kick to Dayne Zorko. A goal here would keep the Lions' faint hopes alive, but he's sent it across the face. Lions 10.17 77 Kangaroos 15.14 104
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
7' Strong mark from Ben Brown at half back, and he swings them forward. This one will beat Daniel Wells to the boundary line, and he loses his footing to go crashing into the fence. No reason for concern though, as he gets up straight away. Now Bewick has hurt himself in the middle of the ground. Lions 10.16 76 Kangaroos 15.14 104
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL LIONS 8' Josh Schache takes a strong mark inside 50, but he's sprayed it badly to the left. That would have made things very interesting. Lions 10.16 76 Kangaroos 15.14 104
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL LIONS 8' Lewis Taylor!! He plays on quickly from half forward, and manages to evade Todd Goldstein. He steps around one more Roo before kicking a fantastic goal!!! Lions 10.15 75 Kangaroos 15.14 104
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL KANGAROOS 10' Long ball in from the Kangas, and Harvey will win this contest!! He goes quickly, and snaps a goal!!! Lions 9.15 69 Kangaroos 15.14 104
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND LIONS 12' Tom Bell wastes a massive chance, as he had both Christensen and Zorko free inside 50, but he's managed to hit Firrito all by himself. It comes back in quickly for the Lions, and Green almost got a snap away. Dal Santo will clear, but only as far as Bell. He has a big leg, and he sends it very long, but it's punched through. Lions 9.15 69 Kangaroos 14.14 98
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND LIONS 13' Great one-on-one contest from Ryan Lester, and he gets a handball outside to Scache. He has a ping at goal, but it's just to the narrow side. Lions 9.14 68 Kangaroos 14.14 98
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND KANGAROOS 15' Petrie is caught with possession, and he drops the footy. No whistle though, and Harvey will snap a behind. Lions 9.13 67 Kangaroos 14.14 98
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL LIONS 15' Josh Green puts it through!! Surely they couldn't... Lions 9.13 67 Kangaroos 14.13 97
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
16' Cunnington screws one off the side of the boot, and the Roos will eventually get free. Merrett wins the footy on half back, and now Schache contests well at half forward. Cunnington now is pinged for a throw, and Taylor will find Josh Green with the ensuing free kick. Lions 8.13 61 Kangaroos 14.13 97
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND LIONS 16' More attack from the Lions, and Cutler gets himself on the end of it. He has a fly from the pocket, but he puts it across the face. Tom Rockliff is off the ground with ice on his calf. Could be very bad news for the Lions. Lions 8.13 61 Kangaroos 14.13 97