The Brisbane Lions VFL side will play against Footscray in a Qualifying Final in two weeks after securing third on the ladder following their loss to Collingwood in the last home and away fixture for the season.

After conceding a goal late in the third term, the Lions were never able to retake the lead losing by eight points 11.11 (77) to 10.9 (69).

The Magpies burst out of the blocks booting the first three goals of the game to jump out to an early 20-point lead.

Will Martyn kicked the Lions opener and he’d have two before quarter time while Noah Answerth booted one to bring the margin back to only two points at the first break.

The Lions midfield was able to get to work late in the opening term thanks in a large part to Jarryd Lyons who was enormous all day.

Collecting a game-high 41 disposals, along with nine marks, eight tackles and 10 clearances, the reigning J.J Liston Medallist showed his class.

Taking their momentum from the back half of the first term, the Lions kicked away quickly in the second thanks to Darcy Fort and Kyle Dunkley.

The Magpies were able to respond in what turned out to be a reversal of the first quarter kicking three goals of their own to regain the lead by seven points at half-time.

Fort enjoyed a strong day in the ruck and on the scoreboard kicking two goals to go along with his 30 hitouts and 12 clearances to be among the Lions best.

Jaxon Prior on return from AFL duties impressed with his 24 touches and 10 marks.

Fort booted his second to kickstart the Lions second half as Liam Hude kicked back-to-back majors to hand the Lions the lead midway through the third term.

Collingwood were able to answer as both sides traded goals courtesy of Lions mid-season rookie Darcy Craven.

A Collingwood goal at the 32-minute mark of the quarter became a clear turning point in the game with the Lions unable to regain the lead in the final term.

Two Magpie goals to start the fourth quarter pushed the margin out to 14 points, the Lions looked to mount a comeback as Luke Lloyd slotted his first major for the afternoon but Collingwood was able to hold on.

The Lions will now enjoy a week off during the VFL’s Wildcard Round and gear up for a trip to Melbourne to take on Footscray in a Qualifying Final with details to be confirmed this week.

Final Score

Collingwood 77 def Brisbane 69

Goals: Martyn 2, Hude 2, Fort 2, Lloyd, Dunkley, Craven, Answerth

Best: Lyons, Fort, Prior, Madden, Martyn, Zakostelsky