Brisbane Lions thrash Port Adelaide at the Oval as sensational ruckman stars in 79-point victory

In the Round 15 game at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday (June 22), the Brisbane Lions thrashed Port Adelaide by 79 points, setting them back in premiership contention. With a midfield led by ruckman Oscar McInerney, the Lions beat their vaunted Port counterparts 152-73.

The Brisbane Lions kicked 12 consecutive goals across the second and third quarters against Ken Hinkley’s team, ending the game in a 23.14 (152) to 10.13 (73) triumph. This win marks the fourth in their past five matches, as the Lions now rise into the top eight in what was Harris Andrews’ 200th game.

Under coach Ken Hinkley, Port Adelaide have never conceded a score as high as this match. The Power have won only one home game since the start of May, raising even more questions about their worth as contenders.

McInerney was the star ruckman of the game which was his 139th since his debut in 2018. He kicked three goals and made 18 disposals and eight clearances.

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Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide: Round 15 game details

AFL Rd 15 - Port Adelaide v Brisbane

On Saturday, June 22, the Brisbane Lions faced Port Adelaide Power at the Adelaide Oval. The game ended in a 79-point win for the Lions. It was Brisbane's third consecutive victory since their mid-season bye, and has the club among the season’s top eight sides with seven wins, six losses, and a draw.

The game was significant to the Port Adelaide Power as a celebration of the 20th anniversary of its 2004 premiership. Ironically, it was less of a celebration as the disappointed crowd was reduced to boos and groans, with many walking out well before the end of the game.

Brisbane’s Lachie Neale (37 disposals and 10 clearances) and Josh Dunkley (32) had field days, helping the side overcome the stoppage (42-27). They provided their forwards with an impressive 71 inside 50s to 46.

Eric Hipwood did not disappoint. Continuing his remarkable form, he confidently booted five goals and made 10 marks. Cal Ah Chee, Logan Morris, Bruce Reville, Charlie Cameron, and Hugh McCluggage kicked two goals each, as Joe Daniher added three.

The Power looked dejected well before their defeat. The scene resembled a friendly training more than a combat between two professional teams. The hosts kicked the first two goals of the day, but that was the only sunny moment for them, as Brisbane got its uncontested marking game going almost immediately.

Port got within a goal early in the second quarter. Hipwood kicked his second goal from 55m, as Cam Rayner took a clean contested mark and finished neatly for a goal, while young gun Morris and ruckman McInerney kicked two of their own before the main break.

Morris continued to shine for Brisbane, summing up his first goal superbly, with a clean gather at top pace before steadying and drilling his shot on the run from 40m.

By half-time, the Lions were ahead by 45 points. Zak Butters was Port Adelaide’s best afield, finishing with 35 disposals before having to leave the field in the third quarter due to a shoulder injury. He did return to play the game out. Debutant Logan Evans showed he can also deliver a fair individual performance.