Brisbane has smashed Adelaide in both clubs’ first competitive hit-out of 2022, recording an 88-point win at Metricon Stadium as numerous key players got their campaigns underway.
An even first quarter was followed by plenty of dominance from the Lions, who were impressive up forward, kicking a healthy 137 points.
Adelaide simply gave away too many free kicks and allowed Brisbane deep looks inside 50, but that’s not to say the match was a waste for the Crows.
Of those not mentioned in more detail below, Mitchell Hinge and Riley Thilthorpe were both impressive in patches for Adelaide, while for the Lions, Nakia Cockatoo and Lincoln McCarthy put in good performances up forward.
Both clubs appeared to get through the game injury free.
Check out the eye-catchers below
Joe Daniher
Daniher was one of the best players on the ground on Friday, kicking several goals in an impressive display. The former Bomber has already put pen to paper to secure a deal through until 2025, and his efforts in the practice effort suggest he’s primed to improve on last year’s output, where he kicked 46 goals.
He was a clear focal point up forward for the Lions in the absence of Eric Hipwood and also brought the smalls into the clash. That being said, his opponent for most of the day was young Crow Nick Murray.
Cam Rayner
Rayner made his long-awaited return from an ACL injury suffered last pre-season on Friday, working his way into the game.
The 22-year-old looked noticeably strong after a season in the gym and mixed his time between playing as a deep forward and getting further up the ground, flying for numerous marks, and looking back to his dynamic self.
Coach Chris Fagan has highlighted the youngster will play more time in the middle in 2022, and for his first game in 12 months, Rayner did more than enough to suggest those plans are on track.
Rest easy tonight Lions fans, he got through unscathed! pic.twitter.com/BuTN0BrdvV
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) February 25, 2022
Lachie Neale
The 2020 Brownlow Medallist was well and truly back to his best. His strength in tackles, hard running and pinpoint kicking were all on display in the scratch match as he looks to put a disappointing 2021 campaign behind him.
Fagan has flagged that he could spend time on a wing, but he looked one of the Lions' best playing on the ball. Neale also had his goal-kicking nous back, recording two majors.
Josh Rachele
Adelaide’s first pick in the 2021 National Draft could hardly have been more impressive, especially early on. The teenager’s agility was on show in getting out of numerous tackles, while his ball use inside 50 also looked dangerous.
Rachele kept his foot on the pedal late in the game too, despite the score, recording a classy goal running inside 50. He’s likely done enough to guarantee an early-season debut, all thing staying equal, if not Round 1. He looks like a ready-made AFL player.
"Rachele's eyes light up" 💡🤩
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) February 25, 2022
Number 2/3 from this guy. (don't worry, we'll get the third up when we get it 😉)#weflyasone pic.twitter.com/UsuG6MH5lR
Matt Crouch
Crouch missed all of last year with a groin injury and made his return on Friday. The Crows star is a ball magnet, and while he wasn’t as obvious as usual, the 26-year-old will take big improvement from the match.
He did also spend some time on the wing, but when he had the ball the inside midfielder looked back to his usual composed self in good signs for Crows fans.
Darcy Fort
Fort played as Brisbane’s ruck for the majority of the clash and competed well. The former Cat laid a couple of big tackles in a credit to his follow up work and showcased his strength on numerous occasions.
Based on that performance, he’s every chance to partner Oscar McInerney as Brisbane’s ruck duo. While he spent time against developing ruckman Kieran Strachan, he performed well against seasoned big man Riley O’Brien in a big tick to his first performance in Lions colours.
Noah Answerth
One of the forgotten men of the Lions this year, Answerth suffered from several injuries that kept him from playing in 2022. However, if Friday’s game is anything to go by, the 22-year-old is worth watching in 2022.
Running off half-back, Answerth had numerous moments where he looked like an old head on young shoulders, while he also added a couple goals to his stats sheet.
He's well rated by the Lions and is certainly one to keep an eye on going forward, especially considering his likelihood for a Round 1 return.
The Lions lads get around Noah Answerth as he snags a goal!
— AFL (@AFL) February 25, 2022
His last game was round 17, 2020.
(via: @kayosports) pic.twitter.com/eJzEVKmb77