The Brisbane Lions VFL side have recorded their fourth win in as many starts downing Sandringham by 57 points at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday afternoon.
A tightly contested opening half, broke open in the third term as the Lions booted five goals to three and hammered home their advantage in the last quarter kicking a further six majors to run out 19.16 (130) to 10.13 (73) winners.
In a game where the Lions had five multiple goal scorers, it was Luke Lloyd who stood out booting three goals in his best return in Lions colours to date.
Lloyd booted two of his three majors in the opening term as the Lions led by five points at the first break.
Leading at every change, the Lions and Zebra’s traded goals for much of the opening two quarters with neither side gaining a clear ascendency.
Backing up from AFL substitute duties, Noah Answerth opened the Lions account, as both midfields struggled to gain a decided advantage.
Jarryd Lyons was his usual busy self, finishing with another three goals to accompany his 18 touches but it was the Lions defenders who stole the show.
How did he do that?
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Jarryd Lyons casually dribbling it through his opponent's legs 🦁
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Darragh Joyce, Jaxon Prior and mid-season draftee Luke Beecken provided the Lions with plenty of run and carry out of the back half.
Joyce finished was a game-high 31 disposals along with 14 marks, Prior and Beecken collected 28 and 23 possessions respectively while keeping the Zebras to only 73 points.
The Lions big men got to work in the second term, with Henry Smith and Kalin Lane booting two goals each as the Lions started to get on top late in the quarter.
Deven Roberston and Jimmy Tunstill were strong in the contest all day showing their class, with 23 touches a piece, while Robertson grabbed five clearances as well.
An onslaught in the third term cracked, what had been a hotly contested affair, apart as the Lions kicked four goals in as many minutes to start the half.
Lyons, Lloyd, Harry Sharp and Brandon Ryan ensured the home side would take the spoils to start the second term.
It's raining goals at Brighton Homes Arena ☔
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Harry Sharp slams through another one for the Lions.
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Another to Lyons who dribbled one out of traffic and a major to mid-season rookie Darcy Craven had the Lions well on top at the final change, leading by 36 points.
Kyle Dunkley bombed one from 50 metres to turbo charge the last quarter as the Lions piled on six goals to three to run out 57-point winners.
Lyons and Smith’s third along with two beautiful set shots from Sharp and Academy product Tristen Meekin, helped the Lions record their second biggest win of year.
Shadeau Brain continued his good run of form, consistently crashing packs and providing good options as the Lions exited defensive 50.
With 21 touches and 12 marks to his name, Brain was among VFL coach, Ben Hudson’s best in what was an all-round team performance.
The Lions now turn their attention to Frankston who make the trip up to Brisbane next Saturday.
Final Score: Brisbane 130 def Sandringham 73
Goals: Lyons 3, Smith 3, Sharp 3, Lloyd 3, Lane 2, Ryan, Meekin
Best: Lyons, Prior, Joyce, Brain, Lloyd, Robertson