1. Lions rediscover their run-and-gun mentality
From the first bounce, the endeavour was there against the Power, but the polish wasn't quite. Whatever coach Justin Leppitsch said at quarter-time worked a treat as they came out in the second term determined to play on at all costs. With Rich roaming free and Lewy Taylor and Nick Robertson adding youthful excitement, it was reminiscent of the outfit that won six of its final 12 games last year. The Lions' bravery was rewarded with a six-goals-to-one quarter and they never looked back.
Green's running goal has the Gabba crowd fired up! #AFLLionsPower #ohwhatafeeling http://t.co/1FdI938L6G
— AFL (@AFL) May 17, 2015
2. Power's form is now a worry
Following a brutal start to the season, the Power were outworked by West Coast at home and then made the trip to Brisbane warm favourites against the struggling Lions. But for the second week in succession, the opposition just wanted it more. The Power won the tackle count 88-56 but that was indicative of their reactionary nature, being second to the ball at both the stoppages and around the ground. Their 3-4 win-loss record is no reason to panic, but if they are to maintain their status as premiership contenders, they'd want to snap out of the current funk quickly or the top four are going to scoot away.
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3. Rich rips Power apart
After producing one of the worst games of his career against Carlton last week, Lions midfielder Daniel Rich rebounded with one of his best. While Kane Cornes tagged Tom Rockliff – and kept him to 19 disposals – Rich ran a first-half masterclass to orchestrate the Lions' lead, and ultimately their victory. He had 15 touches and five clearances and his silky left-foot kicks led directly to four goals as the Power let him roam free in the first two quarters. He finished with 23 disposals and a goal. It was vintage Rich as he was clearly the difference between the teams and again reminded rivals that you can't afford to play the Lions and not tag him.
4. 'Squizzy' gets busy and the mozzies get buzzing
Just two weeks ago, the Lions' small forwards were right in the crosshairs of their angry coach, but have now bounced back with a vengeance. Although not naming them, Justin Leppitsch was filthy with Lewy Taylor and Josh Green following the heavy round five loss against Gold Coast for their lack of work rate. The 'Mozzie Squad' has responded to Leppitsch's rev-up in emphatic fashion. Green kicked another three goals against Port to go with his three against Carlton, while 2014 Rising Star winner Lewy Taylor played his best game of the season to finish with 28 disposals and a goal. He was given a licence to roam and Taylor busted his backside for all four quarters to be one of his team's best.
Lewy Taylor joins the Lions' party! #AFLLionsPower http://t.co/2opBHj7jZi
— AFL (@AFL) May 17, 2015
5. James Aish getting plenty of love from his teammates
The out-of-contract South Australian has been the cause for many headlines and much discussion around Brisbane early in the season, but he let his footy doing the talking against Port. After being a late replacement for Claye Beams (knee), Aish racked up 18 disposals in his best performance of the year, but the reaction of his teammates was telling after he was clobbered by Paddy Ryder during the third quarter. With Aish sprawled on the ground, six to eight Lions flew in within a matter of seconds to remonstrate with Ryder for what they thought was a cheap shot. His teammates clearly want Aish to re-sign and stay with the Lions.