AFL pre-season: Joe Daniher kicks four goals in Brisbane Lions debut

Brisbane Lions recruit Joe Daniher has kicked the side to a 47-point win over home team Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

Joe Daniher of the Lions during the AFL practice match between the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Lions recruit Joe Daniher led Brisbane to a 47-point win over local side Gold Coast in a scratch match at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.

Daniher took advantage of a Suns team without key defenders Sam Collins and Rory Thompson, slotting four goals, including two in the first term, in his first competitive game since making the move from Essendon as Brisbane ran out 15.12 (102) to 8.7 (55) winners.

The absence of Gold Coast’s keys left young defender Caleb Graham to do the job, along with Charlie Ballard and Jack Bowes who battled undersized against the 201cm giant.

Collins is expected to be back to full fitness next week after battling a foot complaint while Thompson remains on the long term injury list.

Fellow Lions tall forward Eric Hipwood also kicked four goals, relishing the opportunity to play alongside Daniher.

“It was a lot of fun. When he jumps at the ball he is really exciting,” Hipwood said. “It’s just good to see him out on the park. 

“We don’t have too many expectations of him, it’s just good to see him out there.”

Brisbane torched a lacklustre Suns in the first term, kicking seven goals to one to take a 35-point lead in to the second.

Fremantle have tough decisions to make in defence after the drama-free returns of key pair Joel Hamling and Alex Pearce in Saturday’s impressive win against West Coast in a scratch match at Mineral Resources Park, Fox Sports reports.

The Eagles, meanwhile, admit they have work to do before their season opener against Gold Coast after being outplayed by the young Dockers in the 47-point defeat, losing 16.11 (107) to 9.6 (60).

NCA Sports Newsroom

FULL REPORT of pre-season trial games is here.