1. Fagan shows his hand straight away
So, what would be the style under new Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan? It didn't take the players long to answer the pre-season intrigue with the first two centre clearances - fast, long and direct to post two goals. The Lions had five in 12 minutes and Dayne Zorko exemplified Brisbane's unrelenting attack on the ball and ball-carrier. By the time everyone caught their breath on the first-quarter siren, Zorko had 10 possessions, two goals, six inside 50 entries and three tackles.

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2. Beams’ leadership light shines bright
Lead by example is obviously the mantra of new Lions captain Dayne Beams. He produced a brilliant first-up display, the influence far beyond his 28 possessions. Beams went head-to-head with Gary Ablett in the first half and took the honours, and he was right there to steady his troops when the Suns threatened to steal the game in the gripping final quarter. Likewise, Ablett was pivotal to the Gold Coast charge with his quick hands and efficient disposal to illustrate he will be a force again this season.

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3. Lynch finds ways to impress
Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch evoked memories of St Kilda ace Nick Riewoldt's admirable workrate to fuel the second half fightback. Lynch worked back into defence to spoil late in the third quarter and then took off straight down the centre of the ground when the Suns won possession. He ran more than 150m to present for the first of his three goals that nearly capped a memorable Q Clash victory.

4. The kid’s got what it takes
Courage leaves a lasting impression and Gold Coast fans headed for home with no doubt about the grit of first-gamer Ben Ainsworth. The 19-year-old didn't hesitate running against the flight of the ball into the goalsquare. He took the mark before cannoning into the fence at full pace. The teenager picked himself up and slotted his second goal to play his part in the Suns' eight-goal third-quarter revival.

Ben Ainsworth celebrates a goal on Saturday night. Picture: AFL Photos


5. The boundary's still murky on deliberate rule
New Sun Jarryd Lyons can consider himself unlucky to be pinged in the crackdown on deliberate out of bounds. Why would the former Crow want to kick for touch when he's heading into his forward half? Lyons would be just as miffed by the shanked kick as the umpire's interpretation. Surely, the umpires have sufficient football knowledge to identify such a miskick? One umpire did just that and promptly told Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury why he didn't penalise a Bulldogs' grubber at the MCG on Friday night.