Port Adelaide recruits fire in 54-point victory over Brisbane Lions

Port Adelaide’s pair of prized recruits have made instant impacts in a 54-point belting of the Brisbane Lions.

Jason Horne-Francis was best-afield and Junior Rioli slotted three goals in the Power’s resounding 18.18 (126) to 11.6 (72) triumph at Adelaide Oval.

Horne-Francis was superb with his 25 disposals featuring 10 inside 50s, 11 score involvements and a goal – and he sparked a match-winning Power surge in the third term.

After trailing by 10 points at halftime, Port booted eight goals to one in a decisive third quarter.

Horne-Francis, the 2021 No.1 draft pick who walked out on North Melbourne after one season, ran rampant in the onslaught with a dozen touches, five inside 50s and three clearances for the term.

Happy Port days: Jason Horne-Francis hugs a teammate as Will Ashcroft looks on.Credit:AFL Photos / Getty Images

And ex-Eagle Rioli was an ever-present threat to the lacklustre Lions, who were well served by their own key signing, former Bulldog Josh Dunkley.

Dunkley gathered 19 disposals and seven clearances, veteran Daniel Rich was most influential with 26 touches while Lachie Neale was relatively subdued with 20 possessions.

Brisbane were collectively overwhelmed after making the early running in a dominant second stanza punctuated by Port’s Charlie Dixon blowing up.

An abusive Dixon gave away consecutive 50m penalties when penalised for a high tackle on Rich and the Lion goaled – the first of six majors as the visitors crafted an 18-point lead.

Dixon paid off some of his debt with a goal after the halftime siren to leave the Power 12 points down.

And Horne-Francis then took the spotlight with his third-term feats as the Lions wilted.

Port’s tall forwards Todd Marshall (four goals) and Dixon (3.3) complemented Rioli’s eye-catching haul which featured a spectacular high mark.

Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines (29 disposals) and Zak Butters (24 touches) helped Horne-Francis rule the midfield while backmen Ryan Burton (24) and Darcy Byrne-Jones (27) were prolific ball-winners.

Brisbane’s hyped debutant Will Ashcroft snapped a classy goal among his 13 touches.

And ex-Hawk Jack Gunston and Zac Bailey scored two goals apiece on a well-held Lions forward line.

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