A strong return by Joel Macdonald, a skilful display by Daniel Dzufer, and a prolific performance by Troy Selwood were features of the Suncoast Lions’ 56-point win over Zillmere on Friday night.

The only downside to the Round 17 Velocity Sports Cup game was a shoulder injury to ruckman Joel Tippett, who left the game late in the second quarter and did not return.

The Lions blew Zillmere away with an 8.5-0.0 opening term and cruised to a 16.18 (114)-8.10 (58) victory.

The win ensured the Lions will finish in the top four, sitting six points clear with two games to play, and with bottom side Redland still to come in the final round.

Macdonald played his first game for a month after hurting an ankle and put in a fair demand for a recall to the Lions’ AFL side.

Macdonald has been one of the Brisbane Lions’ best performers this season and he showed why, lighting the fuse for his side’s dominant opening with a powerful performance on the wing.

McDonald imposed himself with strong work in the clinches, busting packs open, running hard, and using the ball most effectively.

He rotated on and off the ground, but it was his early work that set the standard – and it was a very high one.

Selwood continued his good form with another prolific display, winning numerous clearances and working hard to win many possessions in the midfield.

Scott Clouston, back with Suncoast after making his senior debut last week, began with great energy and maintained his positive attack on the ball throughout.

He marked strongly and kick a long goal from outside 50m to cap a fine evening’s work.

Former Eagle Daniel Dzufer was a constant thorn in his old side with a strong display across half-back and Pat Garner also stood out in a miserly defence.

At the other end of the ground, Matt Moody led intelligently and kicked well to finish with 4.2 in a solid display.

Cheynee Stiller did plenty of good things in the midfield and used the ball cleverly.

Stiller played wide of Eagles ace Matthew Payne in a roving role, Payne too being a significant factor in the game.

Despite carrying a heavy flu into the game, he racked up 30 possessions until being rested halfway through the last quarter.

He received plenty of buffeting at the stoppages, but produced his usual workrate to win the ball in all parts of the field.

Aiden Pratt, Michael Schultz, Jake Myles and Matty Argus also produced solid games in the midfield, but lacked support as the Lions’ pinpoint use of the ball was a feature, particularly early.

In contrast, the Eagles turned the ball over badly under ‘perceived pressure’ from behind.

The Lions tackled so well early that the Eagles hurried their disposal from then on, whether they were under pressure or not.

To the Eagles’ credit they persisted and won the last quarter 2.6-0.6

The Lions fielded 16-listed Brisbane players and received good service from top-ups Justin Harding, Todd Grayson and Donald Barry.

Maroochydore-based Grayson moves with plenty of class and his work both on the ground and in the air was far in advance of a 16-year-old.

He kicked two good goals and will be a key part of the finals campaign given the restrictions on the number of listed players that the Lions can have on the ground in September.

Harding showed plenty of zip and kicked a great solo goal, as did Macdonald early in the game, his left-foot snap a goal of the year contender.