A return to the Gabba was just the tonic for the Brisbane Lions, who ran roughshod over an injury-hit Labrador in their important Round 6 QAFL Velocity Sports Cup clash on Saturday.

The Tigers were gallant in the opening quarter and were level with their more fancied rivals at quarter-time, but they conceded seven goals to two in a confidence-sapping second term and went goalless after halftime.

The end result was a whopping 23.17 (155) - 6.11 (47) win to the Lions, who put an end to a three-game losing streak in emphatic fashion.

The Lions’ running brigade were in top flight, with Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff and James Hawksley continuing their good form of recent weeks.

Redden collected a game-high 36 disposals and showed great poise in the mdifield for the entire match.  

Tim Notting produced another wholehearted display while Rhan Hooper chipped in with three goals.

Notting gave his side enormous drive around the ball after having played well at centre-half-forward the previous week.

Defender Jason Roe made life miserable for the Tigers’ attack, which looked directionless without injured spearhead Fred Sleeth, and Pearce Hanley provided his regular run.

The Tigers also lost rugged utility Mark Vigus and the underrated Mark Reilly before the game to injury, but they were simply run off their legs by an outfit that wanted the ball more.

One of the pleasing factors for the Lions was the much anticipated return of ruckman Joel Tippett, who nonetheless was eased back into action after a long injury layoff.

Hard running Tiger Mathew Clarke worked hard for the visitors, while the ultra consistent Dustin Mills worked overtime against the odds in defence.

Gold Coast Football Club teenager Gerard Moore pleased the Labrador coaching staff with a strong contribution after being overlooked for TAC Cup duties, while speedsters Luke Licht and Jason Howard battled hard.

SCOREBOARD:

Brisbane Lions     4.2    11.8    15.12    23.17 (155)
Labrador               4.2    6.3      6.6        6.11 (47)

GOALS - Lions: Banfield 4, Redden 3, Hooper 3, Rockliff 3, Roe 2, Henderson 2, Cornelius 2, Notting 2, Hanley, Tippett. Labrador: Alleway 2, Barnes 2, Trembath, Clarke.
BEST - Lions: Redden, Rockliff, Notting, Hawksley, Roe, Hanley. Labrador: Clarke, Mills, Moore, Licht, Alleway, Howard.