BRISBANE has endured a horror afternoon at Casey Fields, suffering a 56-point loss to Narrm (Melbourne) as injuries and a devastating third-quarter onslaught brought the Lions undone.
The Lions were comprehensively beaten 89- 33 in their Round 3 clash on Sunday, with Narrm turning a competitive opening half into a one-sided contest after the main break.
Brisbane started strongly and had its chances early, but failed to make enough of its opportunities before the Demons found their rhythm.
Narrm led 3.1 to 1.3 at quartertime before extending the advantage to 22 points by the main break.
Any hopes of a Brisbane fightback were then extinguished in a brutal third term as the Demons kicked six unanswered goals for the quarter as the Lions struggled to slow their ball movement.
By three-quarter time the margin had ballooned to 60 points and although Brisbane showed some fight in the final term, kicking three goals and winning the quarter, it was little more than consolation after the damage inflicted through the middle stages.
The result was compounded by a difficult afternoon on the injury front.
Young forward Neasa Dooley played just 13 per cent of the match after suffering a shoulder injury, finishing with one disposal and a clearance before her day was cut short.
Marlo Graham was also forced out with concussion, while Ruby Svarc suffered a head knock as Brisbane’s available rotations were severely tested.
Despite the difficult circumstances, several Lions continued to battle as Isabel Dawes led Brisbane with 24 disposals and kicked a goal, while Orla O’Dwyer collected 21 touches, six tackles and a major.
Jade Ellenger finished with 19 disposals and six marks, Sophie Conway had 18 possessions and four tackles, while Catherine Svarc recorded 17 disposals and a team-high six clearances.
Brisbane’s problems were particularly evident in attack, where the Lions were unable to consistently convert their opportunities into scoreboard pressure only kicking four goals to Narrm’s 14.
After establishing themselves among the AFLW’s benchmark teams in recent seasons, Brisbane will now need to respond to one of its toughest defeats and manage an injury list that could prove just as significant as the result itself.
The immediate focus will be on regrouping ahead of Round 4 as they look to host the 14th-placed Giants at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday with kick off at 6.35pm.
