The Brisbane Lions have recorded their sixth win in 2023 getting over the line against Carlton by four points at Ikon Park. 

A wet and cold day greeted the Lions as both sides looked to move the ball freely despite the slippery conditions. 

Nakia Cockatoo opened the scoring, snapping a goal around his body. 

The first quarter was dominated by the Lions but were unable to hit the scoreboard. 

Midfielders, Rhys Mathieson and Deven Robertson started the match in brilliant fashion and established dominance quickly. 

Mathieson finished with 27 disposals, a goal and five clearances while Robertson collected 32 touches, eight clearances and laid five tackles. 

James Madden kicked the Lions second in the opening term as the lead stood at nine points by the first break. 

A hotly contested second quarter, in which Carlton began to gain ascendancy created an opportunity for the Lions defence to show their capabilities. 

Harry Arnold provided great aerial relief while Cal Ah Chee was a brick wall thwarting the Blues attacks. 

Wylie Buzza showed his versatility moving down back with aplomb, partnering Arnold nicely to create two twin towers in defence. 

Henry Smith, playing his first game in 2023 kicked the Lions only goal in the second term as Carlton took a one-point lead into the main break. 

Jarryd Lyons, the AFL tactical substitute from the night before showed his class at VFL level, finishing with an equal game high of 31 disposals, eight clearances and a goal to stake his claim for a senior recall. 

Aided in the middle by ruckman Darcy Fort who battled hard as always, despite only having 22 hitouts, Fort had 20 touches and 11 clearances to provide the Lions with forward run from stoppage. 

The third quarter was the most free flowing of the match, with the Lions kicking three goals to Carlton’s two. 

Mathieson and Kai Lohmann kicked the Lions first two for the term in the opening 10 minutes before Blake Coleman booted a miraculous soccer-style goal late in the quarter. 

The Lions took a four-point advantage into the final term as the rain began to fall again. 

Lohmann booted his second before Lyons added his major as the Lions quickly ran out to a 17-point lead. 

Carlton kicked three in a row to take the lead back and looked to have the upper hand around the ground. 

However, behinds to Mathieson, Cockatoo, Shadeau Brain and Smith proved the difference in a tightly contested affair where the Lions forward pressure was the key to getting over the line.  

The unbeaten Lions will return in round 8 to take on Essendon in a Mother’s Day clash next Sunday at Brighton Homes Arena. 

Final Score 

Brisbane 63 def Carlton 59 

Goals: Lohmann 2, Coleman, Cockatoo, Mathieson, Lyons, Madden, Smith 

Best: Lyons, Ah Chee, Madden, Robertson, Lohmann