A youthful Sydney team has claimed a major AFL scalp, stunning flag fancies Brisbane at the Gabba to start their season with a commanding 19.11 (125) to 14.10 (94) win.
The Swans, including three AFL debutants in draftees Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden, recovered from an early three-goal burst by the Lions at the start of the game to demolish Brisbane by 31 points.
That margin flattered Brisbane somewhat with the Lions kicking the final three goals of the game when the match was already gone.
Gulden was one of the best players on ground, the Swans academy product kicking three goals and having a hand in three more.
McDonald also made a major impression, kicking three goals including a first major in senior footy which was a bomb from the 50m arc to get the Swans on the scoreboard in the first quarter.
It wasn’t just the first-gamers shining for the visitors, with Isaac Heeney booting three goals while Sam Wicks was one of four Swans to kick two goals in what was his eighth AFL game.
Midfielder Callum Mills had the most touches in the game with 29 disposals as well as two goals and a goal assist.
When McDonald kicked his opener the Lions had roared to a three-goal lead with key recruit Joe Daniher and two from Zac Bailey giving Brisbane a perfect start.
The Swans however then went on a seven-goal run across the first and second quarters to open up a 25-point lead of their own.
Some clever work by Keidean Coleman sparked a Lions revival as they scored five unanswered goals of their own before both teams went in at halftime level at 8.4 (52) apiece.
There was only one team in it at the final change though, an amazing nine-goal third-quarter by the Swans putting them in complete command with a 41-point lead.
Daniher finished with two goals and two behinds in his first outing in Lions’ colours but was also placed on report for striking Dane Rampe in an opening quarter clash.
Jarryd Lyons had 28 touches for the home side and kicked a goal while Bailey’s three majors were the best for Brisbane.
The Lions face Geelong next Friday at GMHBA Stadium with both premiership contenders licking their wounds after the Cats were upset by Adelaide earlier on Saturday.
Sydney host the Crows in their round two clash at the SCG next Saturday.
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