The Brisbane Lions VFL side have enjoyed another trip to down south, taking care of North Melbourne by 27 points at Arden Street Oval on Saturday afternoon.
With three debutants in VFL coach Ben Hudson’s side, the Lions lead from first bounce to final siren, running away 13.14 (92) to 9.11 (65) winners.
Three goals from first gamer and Youi Brisbane Lions Academy product Jake Fazldeen ensured the Lions continued there winning ways extending their streak to four wins on the trot.
Fellow Academy forward Fergus McFadyen bagged two majors while Will McLachlan continued his goal kicking form with two of his own along with Reece Torrent who booted a pair of goals.
It took 11 minutes for the first goal to be registered as both sides kicked multiple minor scores with Torrent finally breaking the deadlock.
Fazldeen’s first and a major from Darcy Craven helped the Lions to a 12-point opening term lead.
Luke Beecken enjoyed a strong outing collecting 30 touches, nine marks and two clearances to be one of the Lions best.
Both sides opened the second quarter in almost identical fashion to the first, trading behinds for the opening seven minutes before Fazldeen kicked truly for his second.
Momentum swung the Roos way as they brought themselves back into the game with two quick goals before Ty Gallop kicked one goal and two behinds in the space of five minutes, to ensure the Lions held a 15-point advantage at the main break.
Zane Zakostelsky enjoyed a strong game in the ruck with 16 hitouts and five clearances from his 21 disposals while Keidean Coleman continued his return to football with 15 touches off half-back.
The Lions blew the game open in the third term, booting six goals to two to open up a healthy 42-point lead at the final break.
Torrent’s second kickstarted the onslaught as McFadyen and McLachlan both kicked two goals while Fazldeen booted his third.
Deven Robertson continued his strong VFL form with 20 possessions, six marks, four tackles and five clearances to lead the Lions midfield alongside Torrent and Jimmy Tunstill.
Jack Manly opened proceedings in the final term as the Roos came out swinging, kicking four goals on the bounce to bring life back into the contest, threatening to cause a late boilover.
Ben Thomas was able to steady the ship and boot the sealer as the Lions clinched their fifth win for season 2025.
The Lions will have the week off in Round 8 before returning to Melbourne to tackle Box Hill in Round 9 of Smithy’s VFL action.
Final Score
North Melbourne 9.11 (65) def by Brisbane 13.14 (92)
Goals: Fazldeen 3, McLachlan 2, McFadyen 2, Torrent 2, Thomas, Manly, Craven, Gallop
Best: Fazldeen, Robertson, Torrent, Beecken, Zakostelsky, Gallop
