Lions down Saints in AFL pre-season opener

They may have come out with all guns blazing, but Brisbane’s forward line largely fired blanks in their AFL pre-season win over St Kilda in Queensland.

On the plus side, ex-Collingwood premiership winner Dayne Beams made an impressive debut in a near full-strength Lions outfit, with 25 touches in their 0.7.16 (58) to 0.8.7 (55) NAB Challenge opener at Burpengary on Saturday.

And Lions coach Justin Leppitsch would have also been beaming over the stunning return of Daniel Rich (19 disposals) from a knee injury in Brisbane’s much-envied midfield.

But the Brisbane mentor still has a major headache to ease before their official AFL opener against Collingwood on April 4, judging by his forward line’s efforts.

Life without champion Jonathan Brown was never going to be easy for Brisbane.

However, it may be a little rockier than expected after Brent Staker (four touches, two behinds), Michael Close (five touches, one goal) and Daniel McStay (six touches, 1.1 in front) failed to impress up front for an erratic Brisbane.

It was more of the same for the Saints, who are without grieving captain Nick Riewoldt.

No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin showed flashes of brilliance up front in his first official game for his new club.

And he was gifted his first goal when Brisbane gave away a 50m penalty right in front in the first quarter.

He finished with 1.1 in front of goal for a young Saints outfit that lacked class but not persistence.

David Armitage was the Saints’ standout, notching a game-high 28 disposals.

Riewoldt has been given indefinite leave as he mourns the death of his younger sister.

Brisbane were wasteful with the ball but still led at every break – 0.2.5 (17) to 0.2.1 (13); 0.4.11 (35) to 0.4.1 (25) and 0.7.15 (57) to 0.6.4 (40).

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