JUSTIN Leppitsch described his team's four-point win over Carlton as gritty and a relief, but admits the Brisbane Lions were lucky to escape with victory.

The Lions led by 41 points early in the third quarter but stopped almost to a walk late in the match as Carlton drew within three points.

The Blues had a set shot at goal with two minutes remaining to take the lead, but luckily for Leppitsch and the Lions, Dale Thomas missed.

The win was just the Lions' third in a horror season.

  Match Report: Lions hold on

Leppitsch was helpless in the latter stages with Carlton hammering away, but said it was nice to have luck smile on his side.

"It's relief," he said.

"It looked like we stopped running, but part of it might be mental more than physical.

"Sometimes it's a bit of luck your way, sometimes not.

"It was really up to their boot that was the difference in the points.

"We obviously moved the ball well, fast, and blew ourselves up a bit, so couldn't sustain it for the second half, but credit to them, they played extremely well in the second half of the game, and obviously had enough opportunities to win it.

"Fortune favours us today and it's a good feeling for our club."

The Blues had an astonishing 68 inside 50s to the Lions' 46 and 30 scoring shots to 24.

They also won disposals (329-295), clearances (43-36) and contested possessions (148-137) but couldn't capitalise late in the game.

Leppitsch said he was proud of his defensive group, who was able to stave off the avalanche of opportunities.

"Our young defenders are great competitors and you know it's a good sign when you're a coach and the ball gets kicked in there and you know Harris (Andrews) is there, you come at ease," he said.

"It's a good sign.

"He's developed that sort of consistency in this game and the faith I've got in him, the high ball, I just know it's either going to be killed or he's going to mark it. It's an amazing effort for a second year player."

More post-match interviews:

  Post-match: Michael Close

  Post-match: Dayne Zorko