A free-wheeling Brisbane has again announced itself as a premiership contender with an emphatic 49-point victory over an inexperienced Fremantle at the Gabba on Sunday.
After an early arm-wrestle that had the scores locked at quarter-time, the Lions kicked the next six goals to open a match-winning lead and run out 11.10 (76) to 4.3 (27) victors.
Last season's league best and fairest Emily Bates picked up where she left off, gathering 19 disposals, six clearances and seven tackles, while fellow All-Australian Orla O'Dwyer was also highly influential with her 20 disposals and two smart goals.
Jesse Wardlaw (two goals) was too tall for a shorter Fremantle backline, while Courtney Hodder and Greta Bodey also bobbed up for two goals apiece as part of the Lions' potent forward line.
They had plenty of chances, winning the inside 50 count 45-17.
With five new faces in its team following an off-season of turnover through expansion and injury, Fremantle battled hard but were outgunned.
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A head clash between teammates Jessica Low (concussion) and Janelle Cuthbertson (nose) in the second quarter left both unable to return and summed up Fremantle's afternoon.
After Brisbane stormed to a 38-point lead during the third quarter, Freo fought back with quick goals to Aine Tighe, Megan Kauffman and Hayley Miller, but tired in the last term.
Brisbane was too good all over the ground as Belle Dawes (18) and Ally Anderson (23) offered fantastic midfield support for Bates.
Up next
Fremantle heads home and has just six days to prepare for Geelong at Fremantle Oval next Saturday at 11.40am AWST. Brisbane will try to make it two from two next Sunday when it travels to the nation's capital to face Greater Western Sydney at Manuka Oval at 3.10pm AEST.
BRISBANE 1.1 4.3 8.7 11.10 (76)
FREMANTLE 1.1 1.2 4.2 4.3 (27)
GOALS
Brisbane: Bodey 2, Hodder 2, O'Dwyer 2, Wardlaw 2, Conway, Smith, C.Svarc
Fremantle: Mulholland, Tighe, Kauffman, Miller
BEST
Brisbane: O'Dwyer, Bates, Dawes, Hodder, Anderson, Pullar, Wardlaw
Fremantle: Bowers, Miller, O'Driscoll, Tighe
INJURIES
Brisbane: Postlethwaite (knee)
Fremantle: Low (concussion), Cuthbertson (nose)
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 3,421 at the Gabba
