After a tough away loss against Fremantle last weekend, the AFLW Brisbane Lions returned home over the weekend to put in another gutsy performance against the Melbourne Demons at Hickey Park on Brisbane's northside.

5,400 of us crammed around the boundary of the suburban home of the Wilston Grange Gorillas full of confidence that the Lady Lions' trademark dogged defence was going to take the game to the Demons.

Despite encouraging performances from a couple of rookies - well done Jesse Wardlaw and Lauren Bella, and a typically solid defensive effort by Kate Lutkins down back, the Demons' pace and ultimately their unanswered 5-goal haul in the second quarter was too much for the Lions to claw back, going down in the end by 39 points - 9.6 (60) to 3.3 (21).

I had the rare opportunity to get along to the game and lugged along with me enough lens power to capture the following from the sidelines.

The Brisbane Lions burst through their banner and head onto the field.

Plenty of young fans on the sidelines for the Round 3 clash.

Rookie Lauren Bella dominated early ruck contests. Sabrina Frederick-Traub assists a Demon flyer.

What it feels like to be chased down and buried in the turf by speedster Kate McCarthy.

Rookie Jesse Wardlaw kicks straight and true to register her first ever AFLW goal!

Emily Bates looks to clear the ball from the pack.

Jess Wuetschner brings an opponent to ground near the sideline.

The Lions' Paige Parker winds up to push the ball up field.

Former Carlton Captain and now proud Lion, Lauren Arnell.

Lauren Bella rises to get first hands to the ball yet again.

Jess Wuetschner broke tackles and gave her all till the final siren.