1. Lions young guns give glimpse to the future
An outstanding individual effort by Cameron Rayner would have given Lions supporters hope for a bright future. The No.1 draft pick took a strong overhead mark deep in attack, outclassing the experienced Hamish Hartlett and fellow Power defender Dan Houston in the contest midway through the second quarter. Rayner then made the most of his set shot from 20m. Then later in the term Hugh McCluggage displayed poise with a left foot snap that gave the Lions a shock, 17-point lead.
STEF'S MASSIVE DAY: Full match coverage and stats
2. Power's makeshift ruck solution exposed by Martin
Charlie Dixon's 32 hit-outs against the Swans softened the blow of losing Paddy Ryder to an Achilles injury in round one. But a dominant performance by the Lions' Stefan Martin highlighted the importance of a quality ruckman. He collected 30 disposals, 48 hit-outs and was the catalyst behind the Lions' brave effort in Adelaide. Power coach Ken Hinkley says the squad's back-up ruckmen are not ready for AFL but it could be time to consider Billy Frampton.
WATCH: The final two minutes
3. Rockcliff form building
After just 21 disposals in the first two rounds, the Power were hoping a match against his old club would spark a breakout performance by Tom Rockliff. The former Lions captain kicked a third-quarter goal and collected 19 disposals at 74 per cent efficiency. After an interrupted preseason, coach Ken Hinkley says he will be patient with his prized recruit.
WATCH: Cam Rayner's mark and goal
4. Lions learning to cope in Adelaide
In its previous five visits to Adelaide Oval, Brisbane's average losing margin was 91 points. The Lions may not have won, but they never raised the white flag. They beat the more experienced Power in contested ball and clearances and gave the home side a scare, leading by 17 points during a five-goal second term. And they were all over the Power in the final quarter but couldn't find a last-gasp matchwinner. Port's dominance over Brisbane has continued however – it has now won five in a row.
5. Power pass maturity test
Overwhelming favourites heading into the round three clash, Power coach Ken Hinkley predicted the match would be a test for a team that many fancy will go deep into September. After being outworked in the second quarter, and trailing by 11 points at the long break, the Power were able to move on from their sub-par opening and find another gear to deliver a match-shaping third quarter in which they scored 7.1 to 2.2. But they couldn't deliver a knockout punch in the final term. Port took the points but it didn't play like a premiership contender.
