Beams’ heroics can’t save Lions

DAYNE Beams ( pictured) produced a superb captain’s performance yesterday but his heavily outmuscled Lions were still belted by 68 points.

West Coast bounced back from a shock loss to Collingwood to trounce last- placed Brisbane 17.11 ( 113) to 8.9 ( 45) in front of 32,652.

The Lions had their share of the footy and at times were able to open up the hosts with their ball use but turnovers hurt them and the Eagles were able to give their rampant forwards too much supply for the Lions to defend.

Josh Kennedy breathed new life into the Coleman medal race, booting 6.4 to be four goals shy of Bomber Joe Daniher on 53 and two adrift of Lance Franklin and Ben Brown on 51.

Coach Chris Fagan paid tribute to his two most experienced players, Beams and Daniel Rich, who were superb.

The captain collected a gamehigh 41 disposals and won nine clearances to put his name alongside Eagle Dom Sheed, 29 touches and two goals, and Kennedy as the best players on the ground.

In a well- beaten side Rich, who was playing across halfback and dealing with Eagles shut down player Mark Hutchings, was defending with desperation.

The West Aussie produced his best game of the season and in particular used the ball to the level Brisbane know he is capable of.

“Beamsy got up over 40 and Richie gave us heaps of rebound out of defence and used the ball pretty well,” Fagan said.