Ashcroft dazzles as Lions deal Cats heavy practice loss

But the scoreboard dominance didn't tell the full story, the defending premiers missing forwards Jeremy Cameron (rested) and Tom Hawkins (foot) when they failed to kick a goal from 20 first-quarter inside 50s.

The Lions, thumped by Geelong in last season's preliminary final, led 28-2 at the first break and 45-15 at halftime.

Notable was the Lions' defensive transition, 18-year-old Ashcroft central as the hosts launched at lightning speed into open spaces in the forward line.

That allowed Joe Daniher room to move, the big forward booting two early goals and Lachie Neale adding one from outside 50m off a single step.

Hipwood left the game in the third quarter with a corked thigh and a sore head after a heavy contest that led to a Brisbane goal, while Geelong's Jake Kolodjashnij soon followed him after colliding with a teammate.

Lions midfielder Josh Dunkley and new co-captain Lachie Neale both had 31 touches while fellow recruit Jack Gunston kicked the first goal of the night courtesy of a clever Ashcroft kick.

The other new Lions co-captain Harris Andrews formed the core of a solid defensive line, Jack Payne good too before he finished the night icing his hamstring in an potential concern for coach Chris Fagan.

Halfback Darcy Wilmot was also impressive, the 19-year-old and Ireland's former Essendon flyer Conor McKenna both lively as they fight for a round-one berth in the back six.

Mark Blicavs (gastro) was a late out, while Isaac Smith was rested by Geelong and Brisbane's Dayne Zorko (hamstring) left out as he aims for a round-one return.

Darcy Fort and Lincoln McCarthy filled their boots in the second half against their old clubs, both kicking two majors while the Cats' Tyson Stengle also booted two goals.

Cam Guthrie had 22 disposals while Patrick Dangerfield (20 touches) was relatively quiet.