The Brisbane Lions VFL side have bounced back from their loss to Southport downing Carlton by 24 points at IKON Park on Friday afternoon.
The Lions were able to shake off a sluggish start to run away 14.14 (98) to 11.8 (74) winners.
A cold, blustery day greeted the players at IKON Park as both teams struggled early in front of goal.
The Blues opened the scoring as both sides traded goals through the middle of the opening term, majors to Ty Gallop and Deven Robertson helped the Lions trail by only six points at the first break.
Robertson put in another strong performance collecting 21 touches, six clearances and making seven tackles to lead the Lions midfield.
Luke Lloyd also played one of his best games in Lions colours finishing with 19 touches and seven marks.
Will McLachlan got on the board early in the second term, followed quickly by Reece Torrent’s first to hand the Lions the lead, which they never relinquished.
Both sides again traded goals as the game went back and forth for much of the second term, Tahj Abberley, Conor McKenna and Curtis McCarthy all hit the scoreboard to give the Lions as 10-point half-time advantage.
James Tunstill joined forces well with Robertson through the middle of the ground with 23 possessions, three marks and three clearances, Sam Marshall also impressed with 27 disposals and four marks.
Brandon Ryan got things underway quickly for the Lions in the third quarter as Darcy Craven and McKenna’s second ensured Brisbane burst out of the blocks.
McCarthy’s second increased the Lions lead into the final break off the back of a strong defensive effort.
Tom Doedee and Keidean Coleman both made successful returns to football as the Lions back six were able to keep the Blues to less than 75 points for the match.
Torrent’s second and McCarthy’s third pushed the Lions out to an unassailable lead despite a late Carlton fight back as Abberley’s second put an exclamation mark on the performance.
The Lions will now return home to Brighton Homes Arena to take on Footscray in Round 17 Smithy’s VFL action.
Final Score
Carlton 11.8 (74) def by Brisbane 14.13 (97)
Goals: McCarthy 3, Torrent 2, Abberley 2, McKenna 2, Ryan, Robertson, McLachlan, Gallop, Craven
Best: Lloyd, Marshall, McCarthy, Craven, Joyce
