The Brisbane Lions have continued their impressive form in the Smithy’s VFL competition with a comfortable 25-point win over Collingwood at the AIA Vitality Centre on Saturday.

It was a physical battle as the two sides jostled for territory early before Tahj Abberley opened proceedings for the Lions with a beautiful 40m banana from the boundary.

Brisbane had plenty of the football early, dominating the inside 50 count in the first quarter but the Lions inaccuracy in front of goals kept Collingwood close at the first break.

The Pies wrestled back momentum in the second quarter by kicking the first goal, but it wasn’t enough to get near an in-form Brisbane, who kicked the next five goals and put the game out of reach by halftime. 

The Lions pressure throughout the game was impressive, particularly in their forward half. The rotation of Darcy Fort, Kalin Lane and Henry Smith created headaches for Collingwood’s midfield as the Lions got first use and looked in control for much of the game.

Rhys Mathieson continued his prolific form, collecting 43 disposals and two goals in a busy outing while Fort was best-on-ground in his first VFL game for Brisbane.

The 28-year-old was dominant in the air and impressed with his follow up work in the contest, finishing with 24 hitouts, 20 disposals, 9 marks and two goals.

Tahj Abberley and Tom Fullarton were superb contributors for the Lions, kicking three goals apiece while Henry Smith took a step forward in his development with his contests up forward.

In good news for Brisbane fans, Kai Lohmann and Deividas Uosis got through the game unscathed in their first game back from injury.

The Lions will now face Footscray at Moreton Bay Sports Complex this Friday at 12:05pm.