Rampant Lions make short work of Giants
The Brisbane Lions have raised fresh questions over the legitimacy of Greater Western Sydney's AFL premiership claims with a 20-point win at Giants Stadium on Saturday.
In a see-sawing contest, both sides had their moments - but the Lions were better for longer, finally throwing off a nagging challenge from GWS in the final term to prevail 13.10 (88) to 10.8 (68).
After conceding the first four goals in a woeful start to the game, the Giants surged back in waves and closed to within seven points late in the third quarter.
But, just like in last week's defeat to Port Adelaide, they went missing when the chips were down. A spectacular pack grab and set-shot goal from Cameron Rayner put an end to the GWS march. Brisbane kicked three more unanswered goals on the other side of three-quarter-time to seal the four points - and a degree of revenge for last year's epic semi-final defeat at the Gabba.
Out-of-form Giants skipper Stephen Coniglio responded to a week of questioning with a strong 27-disposal performance - including nine clearances and six score involvements - but his teammates failed to follow his lead.
Another ugly inside-50s count (56-34 to Brisbane) points to deeper problems for coach Leon Cameron and the Giants, who remain a game and percentage outside the top eight with a 3-4 record. They face reigning premiers Richmond next week.
Brisbane, on the other hand, have jumped to outright second on the ladder and are humming along nicely, proving that last week's loss to Geelong was a blip.
They were led superbly by star defender Harris Andrews, who was the dominant player on the park in the first half, while Charlie Cameron, Zac Bailey, Lincoln McCarthy and Rayner all kicked two goals apiece.
The Lions raced out of the blocks, taking advantage of a sluggish start from the Giants to open up a 24-point lead. It was a buffer that GWS ultimately couldn't claw back, despite huffing and puffing for the rest of the afternoon with a series of bursts - none of them lasting quite long enough.