Lethargic Lions put to sword by Port

CHRIS Fagan faces the first major challenge of his coaching career.

The Lions of old reared its ugly head in an 83-point hiding by Port Adelaide at the Gabba.

The Power are flying and the margin alone is not cause for major concern for a developing side like Brisbane.

But the nature of the 22.18 (150) to 10.7 (67) loss was a major step backwards.

Turnovers were again a major problem but Fagan can live with that for now.

But the major feature of the performance was poor effort and attitude.

The Power never draw well at the Gabba and the crowd of 13,638 was a bad result for the Lions.

However, those who stayed at home and watched on TV would be feeling justified.

Fagan’s counterpart Ken Hinkley is fond of saying you get what you deserve in footy and those words rang true for Brisbane.

Fagan has vowed to be loyal and patient with his young side and they have flourished under his nurturing nature.

But they can expect and deserve a good old fashion baking for what they dished up.

None of the spirit they demonstrated in a brave loss to reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs last week was on display.

Port Adelaide’s ball movement is slick but they also gave Brisbane a lesson in blue collar work ethic.

Their pressure was exceptional, Brisbane’s non-existent.

For the first time this season their senior midfielders slipped back to selfish ball chasing habits that were a feature of the past two years.

The Lions’ defensive set ups and effort at stoppages were terrible. Although the clearance battle was even, Port were allowed to waltz the ball away.

First-year player Jarrod Berry, who played a closechecking role on Brad Ebert in the first half, was the only Lion to pay any respect to his opponent. BRISBANE V PORT ADELAIDE 2.2 3.4 7.5 10.7 7.4 11.11 18.14 22.18 GOALS