Missing a string of first-choice players, including the likes of Jonathan Brown, Simon Black, Daniel Bradshaw, Jamie Charman and Daniel Merrett, the Lions weren’t able to match the Bombers for first-half efficiency in front of goal.
But the 2.11.16 (100) to 2.8.7 (73) loss will not have dampened the sense of enthusiasm that surrounds the coming home-and-away season.
A big part of that enthusiasm will stem from the display of No.1 draft pick Lachlan Henderson – one of five draftees to debut for the Lions.
Opposed to ex-Lion Mal Michael, Henderson presented strongly, showed a deft touch at ground level and, with three goals, indicated he will be a handy foil for Brown.
One of the Lions’ other “new boys”, Travis Johnstone, caught the eye with some pin-point delivery while second-year player Albert Proud looks set to push for regular senior selection following a committed effort in the midfield.
The Lions wore black armbands in honour of Proud’s mother who passed away recently.
On a cool Gold Coast night the Bombers led for the majority of the match, mainly on account of their higher conversion rate inside the forward 50m.
Essendon kicked the first goal of the game through Kyle Reimers and, while Jared Brennan replied almost immediately with a supergoal of his non-preferred right foot, it was Matthew Knights’ men who skipped to a 12-point quarter-time lead.
With big man David Hille marking strongly and kicking accurately, the Bombers stretched their advantage to 31 points at the long break – although it wasn’t for any lack of opportunities by the Lions.
The Lions had only three less inside-50s than their visitors up to half-time but were unable to find a steady flow of goals. Essendon, by contrast, registered 11 goals, including two super goals, from 21 entries into the forward 50.
The tide turned somewhat early in the third term, as the Bombers peppered the goals for a series of minors scores, while a second supergoal from Brennan reduced the margin to 22 points.
However, Essendon rallied again and, with both sides showing signs of fatigue, the Lions were unable to make any more headway.
Steady rain fell marred much of the last quarter but Lions fans had something to smile about after the final siren, when Henderson marked well and dobbed his third goal of the evening.
Aside from Henderson, Johnstone and Proud, the Lions were best served by the irrepressible Luke Power who compiled a team-high 21 possessions.
Brennan showed flashes of brilliance, Cheynee Stiller was prominent and Jed Adcock, Scott Harding and Troy Selwood all appear set for solid seasons. Bradd Dalziell led the draftees with 13 disposals.
The result was an unfortunate start to the senior coaching career of former Lions champion Justin Leppitsch, who was handed the reins for the night by Leigh Matthews.
Essendon 1.4.2 2.9.2 2.10.10 2.11.16 (100)
Brisbane Lions 1.2.2 1.5.4 2.5.6 2.8.7 (73)
GOALS
Essendon: Nine-point goals: Reimers, Lovett-Murray. Goals: Hille 3, Peverill 2, Lovett-Murray, Lonergan, Monfries, Ryder, Johns, Johnson
Brisbane Lions: Nine-point goals: Brennan 2. Goals: Henderson 3, Notting 2, Kiel 2, Brennan
BEST
Essendon: Hille, Dyson, Nash, Laycock
Brisbane Lions: Power, Stiller, Johnstone, Brennan
INJURIES
Essendon: Gumbleton (hamstring), Hille (shoulder)
Brisbane: Nil
Umpires: M Avon J Schmitt S Wenn
Crowd: 10,078 at Gold Coast Stadium.
