PRIZED off-season signing Dayne Beams and comeback kid Daniel Rich stole the show in the Brisbane Lions' three-point NAB Challenge win over St Kilda on Saturday.
Beams had 25 disposals in his first game in Lions colours after his high profile switch from Collingwood, while Rich racked up 20 touches in his first game in 11 months following an ACL injury.
They led an inaccurate Lions to a 0.7.16 (58) to 0.8.7 (55) win in humid and windy conditions at Burpengary, in Brisbane's north.
St Kilda's No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin showed promising signs in his first game, grabbing five marks and kicking a first-quarter goal.
Second-year ace Jack Billings was taken off in the first half with hamstring tightness.
Richardson hopeful on young Saint's injury
The Saints were outplayed for portions of the match but never went away, and were running over the Lions in the final quarter, with midfielders David Armitage (28 touches), Jarryn Geary (25) and Leigh Montagna (23) getting plenty of ball.
The Lions had control for much of the day but could not convert on the scoreboard.
Dayne Zorko's muffed attempt from the goalsquare under pressure from Shane Savage in the second quarter was indicative of their troubles.
But Beams and Rich shone in the scrappy match.
Beams was everywhere in the first half, racking up 14 disposals, and gave the Lions a cool head as they struggled to move the ball quickly.
Rich played primarily off half-back, showing all his class, and looks the perfect fit for Justin Leppitsch's men.
Marco Paparone also looked assured in a defensive role, while Jack Redden (11 disposals) was another to get through after ankle surgery ruined the back half of his 2014.
New Saints Tim Membrey and Paddy McCartin celebrate a goal against the Lions. Picture: AFL Media
WHAT WE LEARNED
Brisbane Lions: The engine room looks as good as advertised. With Dayne Beams fitting in nicely and Daniel Rich able to switch between half-back and the middle, the Lions have plenty of class options in the centre of the ground. Coach Justin Leppitsch still has some decisions to make with his forward line ahead of round one, though. On a difficult day for the big guys, Michael Close, Daniel McStay and Brent Staker all showed glimpses, without doing enough to claim a regular spot.
St Kilda: While they might lack a little polish, you'll get plenty of pluck from the Saints this season. The midfield has the makings of a solid combination, with David Armitage, Leigh Montagna and Jack Newnes performing strongly to go alongside the classy Jack Steven. They have terrific endeavour, and even with the Lions trying to move the ball quickly, were rarely able to with the Saints' pressure. Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey showed enough up forward.
NEW FACES
Brisbane Lions: While Dayne Beams was a standout with his terrific workrate, fellow recruit Mitch Robinson found it a little tougher to find the ball. He did link nicely around the stoppages and finished with 10 touches and clearly adds a competitive edge. Draftee Jaden McGrath was energetic, and a great second quarter smother led directly to a Sam Mayes goal. Rookie ruckman Archie Smith looked right at home as he shared time with Matthew Leuenberger, while fellow academy product Harris Andrews looked assured in his half of action.
St Kilda: With limited chances in the forward 50, number one draft pick Paddy McCartin showed enough to get Saints fans excited. He kicked a goal in the first quarter and missed another relatively easy set shot, finishing with 10 disposals, five marks and 1.1. His forward partner and Sydney Swans recruit Tim Membrey was in the same boat, starved of chances, but kicking 1.1 and showing he could provide a contest. Small forward draftee Jack Lonie kicked a clever goal and was lively after coming on for Jack Billings.
BRISBANE LIONS 0.2.5 0.4.11 0.7.15 0.7.16 (58)
ST KILDA 0.2.1 0.4.1 0.6.4 0.8.7 (55)
SUPERGOALS
Brisbane Lions: Nil
St Kilda: Nil
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Taylor 2, Close, McStay, Mayes, Redden, Bewick
St Kilda: Membrey, Lonie, Saad, Newnes, McCartin, Ray, Weller, Geary
BEST
Brisbane Lions: D.Beams, Taylor, Rich, Bewick, C.Beams, Paparone
St Kilda: Armitage, Geary, Newnes, Montagna, Fisher
INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Nil
St Kilda: Billings (hamstring)
SUBSTITUTES
Brisbane Lions: McGuane replaced Staker at half-time; Andrews replaced Gardiner at half-time.
St Kilda: Lonie replaced Billings in the first quarter; Holmes replaced Steven at half-time.
Reports: Nil
Official crowd: 6200 at Burpengary
