Brisbane Lions slammed for ‘s*** attitude’ as Sydney Swans cause upset

The Brisbane Lions are considered one of the AFL favourites but the premiership heavyweights have been ambushed at home in a shock loss.

The Swans fans were loving it.

The AFL season is already causing major boilovers with a young Sydney Swans knocking off premiership heavyweights the Brisbane Lions by 31-points at the Gabba.

A young Swans side with three debutants left the Gabba silenced with a 19.11 (125) to 14.10 (94) victory few believed was possible.

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The match was evenly contested throughout the match with the sides going to halftime all locked up.

While the AFL world would have been forgiven for believing that the Lions would put their foot on the throat in the third term, a nine goal to two quarter saw the Swans blow out an unassailable lead.

First gamers Errol Gulden and Logan McDonald booted three majors each while Braeden Campbell with 12 disposals was also impressive.

Errol Gulden celebrates one of his three goals on debut.

It was expected to be the unveiling of Joe Daniher for the Lions and while he scored two goals, he was also put on report for a high elbow.

During the post-game wrap up on Fox Footy, Gerard Healy and Dermott Brereton heaped praise on Callum Mills, with Brereton calling him “easily the best player on the ground in third quarter”.

“The skill execution by foot was superb,” Healy added. “They diced and sliced Brisbane apart. I don’t think we’ve seen the Swans play as attractive a style of football in a long time. It’s a great testament to the new rule and a great testament to the way John has asked them to play.”

Brereton also said there was plenty for the Swans fans to look forward to.

“They couldn’t be more pleased with some of these kids the way they’ve come on,” Brereton said.

“It’s like watching an Under 21 team at the moment – and they’re very good.

“Sydney Swans fans will be rejoicing. They can see the future, it’s on their doorstep.”

As for the Lions, Healy said the Lions “didn’t bring any mental base on which to build a victory” and said they were “schooled by an incredibly young Swans”.

Brereton added that the “Lions will be a good team, I can’t see them having a shocking horrible year, even though they were terrible tonight”.

Chris Fagan is one unhappy coach.

AFL fans were stunned by the performance of the Lions, slamming the attitude that allowed the Swans to put them to the sword while equally praising the Bloods.

This is an ‘attitude’ loss tonight. Entirely fixable but players need to own up. It can potentially be a positive experience for the Lions, if they’re serious. #AFLLionsSwans#AFL

— Phil Staley (@Phil_Staley) March 20, 2021

The Lions have lost their heads here. They arrived expecting to win, and are now being punished for a shit attitude. #AFLLionsSwans

— Mike Wise (@wisey_9) March 20, 2021

The Lions were duds in round one last year too. Obviously a bit more was going on off the field but I’m sure they’ll be fine.

Brisbane’s forward line has looked clunky and Hipwood/Cameron have struggled to have any impact. That’s a bit worrying. #AFL

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) March 20, 2021

The Swans are going to be A LOT of fun to watch this year. #AFLLionsSwans

— Ben Waterworth (@bjwaterworth) March 20, 2021

Swans look unreal. Add in a fit Buddy and why can’t they give finals a nudge? #AFLLionsSwans

— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) March 20, 2021

It closes out an incredible opening Saturday of the AFL season that saw the wooden spoon winning Adelaide Crows beat 2020 Grand Finalists the Geelong Cats.

Next week, the Swans and Crows play for a 2-0 start, while the Cats and Lions look to avoid an 0-2 start.