Last week Queensland fans were treated to a Gary Ablett masterclass in the fourth quarter. On Saturday, with his side trailing at three-quarter time, Crow Patrick Dangerfield kicked two goals from the edge of the 50, one with either foot, which were easily the match of any of the Little Masters' last week. Even without the highlights, Dangerfield would have been a contender for best on ground with 23 disposals and a game-high 8 clearances.
2. Heavyweight clash
There was no knockout victory in this clash of the heavyweights though it looked like the crowd might get its money's worth when the two went chest-to-chest after Daniel Merrett stood over Dangerfield sledging him for a close-range miss in the third. Taylor Walker took seven marks but was not at his most accurate, kicking 2.2 as well as a couple of other efforts that didn't trouble the scorers. His spin away from Merrett and low left-footed strike in the second quarter was the moment of the first half though.
3. Rich quiet again
Although better than his career-low eight touches last week, there is still no sign of the NAB Cup Grand Final best-on-ground taking his pre-season form into the regular season. Matthew Wright shadowed him for much of the game and limited Rich to 16 touches while Wright was dominant in the clearances (7-4). During the Lions' best period in the third quarter Rich's beautiful kicking was again evident but he disappeared from view as the Crows ran away with the game.
4. Tall stands up
Coach Michael Voss cautioned Lions fans against expecting too much from ruckman Matthew Leuenberger in his first match in almost a year, but he showed little rust in a fine performance. As well as winning the hit-out battle with Sam Jacobs, Leuenberger also gave his midfield the help they lacked in round one. With the Crows looking like running away with the game in the second quarter, the big man showed a surprising turn of pace to chase down the wing and set up Dayne Zorko's goal to prompt the Lions' best period of the game.
5. Irish upside
On a disappointing day for the Lions, Irishman Pearce Hanley shone bright. He led the Lions with 30 disposals, one behind game leader Scott Thompson, and popped up with a goal. In a match where the Lions lacked spark across much of the field, Hanley did all he could to will them to victory, and was the runaway leading AFL Fantasy scorer with 127. His coach called his performance "outstanding".
