The Brisbane Lions have recorded back-to-back wins, for the first time since Round 9 and 10, to cement their place in the top four of the VFL.
A dominant 35-point win saw the Lions victorious 17.10 (112) to 12.5 (77) over Geelong at Brighton Homes Arena.
The win ensured the Lions would set up a mouth-watering matchup with the Gold Coast SUNS in the race for a top two finish.
The Lions welcomed back a host of AFL talent for their clash against the Cats including Deven Robertson, Jarryd Lyons and Rhys Mathieson who returned from a hamstring injury.
Bursting out of the blocks, the Lions kicked the first three goals inside 15 minutes with Darcy Fort starting strongly kicking the opening two majors.
Nakia Cockatoo, Tom Fullarton and Blake Coleman took advantage of the Lions’ strong start, taking a 28-point lead into the first break.
Lyons opened Brisbane’s account in the second term with Henry Smith, Jimmy Tunstill, Kyle Dunkley and Fort’s third completing another five goal terms for the Lions.
Holding a 40-point half-time advantage, it was Brisbane’s defence which allowed them to attack with freedom.
Darcy Gardiner, Darragh Joyce and Daniel Rich all enjoyed strong performances from the back half.
Joyce took a team-high 11 marks, Rich had a hand in everything, ending the game with 23 touches and nine marks while Gardiner took eight marks to go with his 19 disposals.
A two-goal burst from the Cats after half-time briefly cut the margin to under five goals before four Lions majors in 10 minutes swung momentum.
Bruce Reville, Wylie Buzza, Robertson and Cockatoo’s second, kept Geelong on the back foot as Fullarton booted his second to give the Lions an unassailable 45-point buffer at the final change.
The last term started brightly with Kalin Lane kicking a goal in the first three minutes, but the fourth quarter belonged to the Cats who booted four goals to two.
The Lions midfield dominated throughout the contest with Lyons, Robertson and Kyle Dunkley all playing keys roles.
Lyons showed his class finishing with 32 disposals, eight clearances and a goal to be one of Brisbane’s best.
While Robertson’s strong return to the VFL saw him finish with 25 touches, nine clearances and a goal to go along with Dunkley who continued his good form collecting 24 possessions, nine marks and a major.
Mathieson produced solid numbers in his first game back from injury collecting 20 disposals, five marks and two clearances.
The Lions now turn their attention to the Gold Coast SUNS with top two aspirations on the line at Heritage Bank Stadium in Round 19 VFL action.
Final Score
Brisbane 112 def Geelong 77
Goals: Fort 3, Fullarton 2, Cockatoo 2, Tunstill, Smith, Robertson, Reville, McDowell-White, Lyons, Lane
Best: Lyons, Rich, Sharp, Smith, Gardiner, Joyce
