Redland couldn’t overcome an early deficit against Brisbane to fall 11 points short in a tight NEAFL contest at Tidbold Park on Saturday.
The Bombers were coming off an inspiring seven-point win against Sydney University in Round 1 but couldn’t make it two-in-a-row to start the season, losing 11.13 (79) to 9.14 (68).
It was the Lions’ good start which set up the win, kicking six goals to two in the first quarter to race to an early 23-point lead.
They led by 17 at three-quarter time before an arm wrestle in the last, but in the end the Lions had too much class across the ground.
AFL-listed midfielder Zac O’Brien was Brisbane’s best player with 33 disposals, 10 clearances and six inside 50s.
Mitch Golby (28 disposals, seven marks and one goal) was also impressive alongside ruckman Matt Leuenberger, who had 46 of his side’s 50 hitouts.
Midfielders Josh Smith (29 disposals) and Blake Grewer (24) were standouts for the Bombers.
Despite the close loss, Redland coach Chris David said there was plenty to like about his side as they look ahead to a massive Anzac Day clash against NT Thunder this weekend.
“We were disappointed to a degree but the way we went about it was still pleasing as far as the effort and intensity,” he said.
“We just turned the footy over too often and they didn’t. They were cleaner and made better decisions than us under pressure.
“But we like to think the message we have sent to the competition early on is if you are going to play the Redland Football Club you are going to be in for one hell of a fight.
“I think there is no better time to take on NT Thunder and hopefully on our home turf we can take it right up to them.”
