The Brisbane Lions VFL side have won five straight games after defeating GWS by 18-points at Blacktown International Sports Park on Saturday.

A tight contest from bounce, Brisbane got scoreboard ascendency early thanks to goals from Blake Coleman and Tom Berry before a Pat McCarthy snag stretched the lead to nine points at the first break.

The second quarter saw trademark ‘Lions footy’ as Brisbane piled on four goals to the Giants two. Tom Berry gave his forwards plenty of opportunity with 10 inside 50’s, while fellow midfielder Dev Robertson was clinical at the stoppage, laying eight tackles and racking up seven clearances from 29 disposals.

The Giants clawed back the lead in the third quarter, keeping the Lions scoreless before Brisbane were able to wrestle momentum back and put the game out of reach.

Ryan Lester was arguably best-on-ground with 31 touches, 13 marks and three tackles, while Carter Michael responded from being left out of Chris Fagan’s best 22 with 27 disposals, four marks and five inside 50s.

Mitch Cox returned for his first game since suffering a quad injury and got through the game unscathed with 24 disposals and three clearances.  

Credit must also go to the Lions non-AFL listed players, who all contributed strongly to the interstate win.

Charlie Bowes and Harry Arnold were dominant in the air, taking 24 marks between them. Tahj Abberley continued his impressive season with 26 touches and four inside 50s while Toby Triffett showcased his love for the contest, laying seven tackles and collecting 26 disposals.

Wilson Barry, Pat McCarthy and Luke O’Sullivan led the way on the goal kicking front, finishing with two majors each.

Brisbane now sit comfortably in third spot on the Smithy’s VFL ladder and will head to Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex this Sunday at 1:05pm to take on the Gold Coast Suns.  

Best: Lester, Robertson, Berry, Bowes, O'Sullivan, Michael, McFadyen
Goals: Barry x2, O'Sullivan x2, McCarthy x2, T. Berry, B. Coleman, Bowes, Lohmann