Before stunning Essendon with a hard-fought 10-point win on Saturday afternoon, Etihad Stadium had not been a happy hunting ground for the Brisbane Lions.

In their two previous regular season matches at the Docklands venue – against the Western Bulldogs (Round 1) and North Melbourne (Round 4) – the Lions had conceded 11.11 and scored just 1.8 in first quarters alone.

In fact, last Saturday’s match was just the second time the Lions had led at the first break.

Reigning Club Champion Joel Patfull said the Club had spoken in detail about the issue, and were determined to buck the trend against the Bombers.

“Our first quarters down in Melbourne so far have been really poor, so it was a bit of a focus in the first quarter, and particularly the first eight minutes, to go out there and have a crack,” Patfull told SEN’s Morning Glory on Monday.

“We really wanted to play the game on our terms rather than waiting for the game to come to us.”

Patfull also praised teammate Brent Staker, who kicked the game-sealer in his first match back from two knee reconstructions. 

“To see a bloke like that go through hard times, and do it twice, is a really big effort,” Patfull said.

“It was one of those great footy moments when he kicked that goal. All the boys were rapt for him.”

“He’s just one of those really good people to have around the footy club. He really gets involved, and all the boys really enjoy his company.”