THE BRISBANE Lions have staved off a remarkable Carlton comeback to hold on by four points and record their third victory of the season at the Gabba on Saturday.

The Lions led by 40 points at half-time and stretched it to 41 early in the third term but had to withstand some nervous moments late before winning 15.9 (99) to 13.17 (95).

Dale Thomas had a set shot from deep in the left forward pocket with two minutes remaining to put Carlton in front, but missed to the near side.

On a hot Brisbane afternoon, the Blues finished full of running and kicked eight goals to three in the second half.

They had 68 inside 50s to 46, but were wasteful in the final two quarters.

But after heavy losses to Port Adelaide and Adelaide in the past fortnight, the Lions were happy to fall over the line.

"It was a grit win," coach Justin Leppitsch said.
 
"It was really up to their boot, that was the difference in the points.
 
"We obviously moved the ball well, fast, and blew ourselves up a bit, so couldn't sustain it for the second half but credit to them, they played extremely well in the second half of the game, and obviously had enough opportunities to win it.
 
"Fortune favours us today and it's a good feeling for our club."

  Watch: Leppitsch post-match

The win was just the Lions' second at home this season and consigned Carlton to their ninth straight loss.

The Lions had an incredible first-half performance from Dayne Zorko largely to thank, along with a great captain's display from Tom Rockliff.

Zorko finished with 27 disposals and three goals, but his first-half performance was one few of the 17,432 fans will forget.

He had 19 touches, 10 inside 50s, three goals and four goals assists at the break.

Blaine Boekhorst tagged him well in the second half to quieten his influence.

Zorko had plenty of mates chiming in to help. Rockliff (39 disposals, 12 tackles and two goals) was both prolific and influential and coach Justin Leppitsch should tell Mitch Robinson (22 disposals, 11 tackles) he's playing Carlton every week, such is the energetic tagger's output against his former club.

Michael Close kicked four goals while young defenders Darcy Gardiner and Harris Andrews were also exceptional under fire.

The Lions won, but Carlton gave them a huge fright.

  Watch the final two minutes

Levi Casboult kicked four goals, while running half-backs Kade Simpson (26 touches) and Zach Tuohy (24) ran riot after the main break.

BRISBANE LIONS       7.2     12.3     14.7      15.9       (99)                  
CARLTON                    3.2      5.5      9.12      13.17     (95)         

GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Close 4, Zorko 3, Rockliff 2, Rich, Hanley, Smith, Lester, Walker, Cutler
Carlton: Casboult 4, Silvagni 3, Wright 2, Phillips, Boekhorst, Buckley, Armfield

BEST
Brisbane Lions: Zorko, Rockliff, Robinson, Gardiner, Close, Cutler
Carlton: Curnow, Casboult, Tuohy, Simpson, Buckley, Cripps

INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Nil
Carlton: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Deboy, Hay, Ryan

Official crowd: 17,432 at the Gabba

Watch: The Song