The Brisbane Lions have come up clutch, snatching a last-minute victory over Carlton to secure their place in the Smithy’s VFL Preliminary Final.

In wet and windy conditions, there were plenty of bodies flying into each other as the Lions ran out to a 14-point lead at the first break before Carlton clawed back to level the scores thanks to an advantageous wind.

Brisbane responded after half time, piling on five goals to one. The Lions midfield played a key role to the scoreboard swing with their pressure and ability to read the Carlton hit-outs.

The Blues dominated in the ruck with a 71-21 hit-out count, but the experience of Jarryd Lyons, Ryan Lester and Nakia Cockatoo proved too much for the visitors.

But the battle wasn’t over yet, with Carlton made a late charge in the last quarter, levelling the scores with one minute left.

In just his fourth VFL game, Darryl McDowell-White was the hero for the Lions, breaking the deadlock with a snap goal from the contest before Henry Smith put the cherry on top with another major in the dying seconds to end Carlton’s season.

Forward turned defender, Connor McFadyen continued to showcase his development, finishing with 28 disposals and five marks in a classy performance.

Ryan Lester was best on ground for the Lions and showed his versatility, providing rebound off half-back and playing a key defensive midfield role on Will Setterfield at times.

The 30-year-old finished with a game high nine marks to go alongside 24 disposals, five tackles and five inside 50s.

VFL-listed defender, Riley Greene again stepped up in a lockdown role on livewire forward, Ben Crocker.

Greene kept Crocker to just eight touches and nullified the goal sneaks influence for much of the match.

Brisbane will now head to Casey to take on the Demons in a Preliminary Final. Catch the action from 1.10pm AEST on Channel 7 (VIC), 7mate (QLD) or stream via the AFL website here.

Final Score
Brisbane 72 def. Carlton 60

Best: Lester, McFadyen, Cox, Fullarton, Greene, E. Smith
Goals: Fullarton x2, McDowell-White x2, Bowes, Buzza, B. Coleman, Fletcher, Lester, E. Smith, H. Smith