Bottom placed Brisbane Lions remain winless this AFL season after being overwhelmed 17.16 (118) to 9.11 (65) by West Coast Eagles at the Gabba on Sunday.

Lions skipper Tom Rockliff’s swift return from broken ribs could not inspire Brisbane who were their own worst enemies against an injury-hit West Coast.

Time and again Brisbane turnovers gifted the Eagles goals and the Lions never recovered, slumping to a woeful 0-4 start to the season.

The Eagles (2-2 record) appeared vulnerable ahead of the clash after their defence was ravaged by the unavailability of Mitch Brown and Eric Mackenzie with question marks over Jeremy McGovern’s fitness.

However, the Lions – also battling a huge injury toll of their own – showed why they are ranked last in the league in defence – and offence too for that matter – by failing to apply any pressure.

Despite Tom Cutler being guilty of several clangers, he persisted and registered a career-high 32 disposals.

But there were few highlights from a Lions side that has arguably gone backwards since last year’s fourth-last finish.

There may be some hope for Brisbane though, with their next match against the competition’s only other winless side Gold Coast

The Lions captain (16 touches) came back three weeks early from broken ribs and a punctured lung suffered in the first round.

For the Eagles, they move to two wins and two losses, but the win could have come at a cost with Luke Shuey leaving the field with a suspected ankle injury.

West Coast led 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7) at the first break with three goals coming from turnovers.

Brisbane continued to gift goals as the Eagles led by 28 at the main break and 44 at the final interval.

For West Coast, Josh Kennedy and Josh Hill both kicked three goals while Sam Butler notched 28 touches and two majors.

For Brisbane, Mitch Golby had 25 touches and Daniel Rich two majors and 20 disposals.