The Brisbane Lions VFL side are back in the winner’s circle this week after downing Carlton by 23 points at IKON Park on Saturday afternoon.
Darcy Craven booted the Lions first goal at the three-minute mark of the opening term and never looked back, leading until the final siren booting 14.10 (94) to 10.11 (71) victors.
It was the Lions young brigade which had the visitors holding the early lead as Craven, Will McLachlan and Academy-product Liam Hude hit the scoreboard.
Carlton booted five behinds in the first quarter not making the most of their chances as the Lions led by eight points at the opening break.
Jarryd Lyons and Deven Robertson continue to lead the Lions midfield with a lethal one-two punch combination.
Lyons finished with 29 touches and two majors in another all-round performance while Robertson collected 36 possessions as both affected 13 clearances.
It was a tense start to the second quarter with the first major coming 11 minutes in the quarter courtesy of Brandon Ryan.
Both sides went goal for goal as Craven booted his second while Lyons and McLachlan both hit the scoreboard but Carlton were able to hold pace with the Lions who led by 15 points at half-time.
Harry Sharp enjoyed a strong showing collecting 20 disposals, kicking a goal and making five tackles while Lions mid-season draftee Luke Beecken was again influential off half-back.
Beecken had 24 touches and 12 marks as he continues to impress since being drafted by the Lions mid-year.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued, the Lions were able to put some breathing space between them and Blues as James Tunstill and Lyons second for the afternoon kicked of the third term.
Jack Manly showed why he has played 14 games at VFL level booting a goal in the third quarter and finished with 23 possessions having his best return for the year.
The Blues booted back-to-back goals to bring the margin back to under 10 points before Sharp halted their momentum as the Lions led by 16 points at the last break.
Tunstill broke the 15-minute goal drought in the last quarter to help the Lions to a 22-point lead.
It was another 10 minutes before Ryan booted his second, McLachlan kicked his second for the afternoon to respond to a late Blues fightback as the Lions ran out 23-point winners.
The win sees the Lions sit third on the ladder only two points behind Footscray in second and six points behind Werribee in first with two rounds to play.
The Lions return home in their next game taking on the GWS GIANTS at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday 11 August with the opening bounce from 11am.
Final Score
Carlton 71 def by Brisbane 94
Goals: Tunstill 2, Ryan 2, McLachlan 2, Lyons 2, Craven 2, Sharp, Manly, MacPherson, Hude,
Best: Robertson, Lyons, Sharp, Beecken, Manly, Tunstill
