The Brisbane Lions have recorded their seventh win in the VFL for 2023 defeating the Essendon Bombers by 68 points on Mother’s Day.

A wet cold day greeted the Lions, as they returned to Brighton Homes Arena for the first time in three weeks.

Essendon, who were coming off the back of three straight losses came out with plenty of energy.

A hot start to the game ensued and it was 14 minutes before the first goal but it was worth the wait with Darcy Fort executing the perfect tap to Jarryd Lyons who snapped truly to open the scoring.

The Lions went on to kick three more goals thanks to Rhys Mathieson, Blake Coleman and Tom Fullarton.

With a 25-point margin at quarter time, it was the Lions defence that stood out, Cal Ah Chee who had claims to best on ground was enormous.

Ah Chee marshalled the troops behind the ball while also providing quick and precise ball movement going forward finishing with 29 disposals and a goal off half-back.

Harry Arnold also stood tall in the opening term with nine touches and seven marks in the first stanza.

Fullarton kicked back-to-back goals to open the second quarter and would also kick the last goal before half-time to have four majors be the main break.

Fullarton finished with six goals to stamp his authority on the game and bring his season tally to 19.

The margin grew to 36 points as the Lions midfield took control of the contest through Lyons, Mathieson, Fort and Deven Robertson.

Lyons led the charge with 36 disposals, nine clearances, eight tackles and two goals to finish as one of the most influential for the Lions.

Mathieson finished with 28 touches, seven clearances and a goal to continue his good form.

While Robertson backed up his terrific start to the year collecting 26 disposals, six clearances, and a goal.

The rain continued to tumble to start the third term as did the goals for Fullarton who booted his fifth.

Lyons second and two majors from goal sneak Kai Lohmann followed as the Lions piled another four-goal quarter.

Jaxon Prior began to take control of the back half, finishing with 23 touches and seven marks to keep the Bombers to six goals for the match.

Tall swingman Wylie Buzza played his second game in defence was lively having 19 disposals, five marks and six tackles.

Fullarton’s sixth major, Lohmann’s third and goals from Robertson and Shadeau Brain capped off another dominant performance from the Lions.

James Madden and Jaspa Fletcher both had solid performances finished with 21 and 18 disposals respectively.

While Lohmann finished with three goals providing plenty of highlights up forward.

The Lions will remain at home this weekend as they take on Coburg on Saturday 20^th May at 12:05pm.

Final Score

Brisbane 109 def Essendon 41

Goals: Fullarton 6, Lohmann 3, Lyons 2, Robertson, Mathieson, Coleman, Brain, Ah Chee

Best: Ah Chee, Fullarton, Lyons, Madden, Fletcher, Robertson