The Smithy's VFL Round 16 clash also celebrated two significant milestones for the Lions, with Tahj Abberley playing his 100th VFL game in the maroon, blue and gold, while Reece Torrent reached his 50th appearance for the club.
Under grey skies with the lights on for the 10am opening bounce, Brisbane started brightly but couldn't capitalise on its early dominance. Will McLachlan opened the scoring after five minutes, but the Lions managed just 1.6 from several opportunities, allowing Essendon to stay within striking distance before the Bombers kicked the final two goals of the term to take a one-point lead into quarter-time.
Coach Scott Borlace called for greater tackle pressure at the first break, and his side responded with an entertaining second quarter.
After Essendon extended its advantage early, Cody Curtin sparked the Lions before Sam Tilley levelled the scores at 25 apiece. Koby Evans then gave Brisbane the lead, only for the Bombers to answer immediately. McLachlan's second goal restored the Lions' advantage, but Essendon again finished the quarter strongly with two late majors to head into half-time leading 7.3 (45) to 5.7 (37).
At the main break, Dan Annable, Sam Marshall and Tilley were leading the Lions' disposal count after strong first-half performances.
With blue skies replacing the morning cloud after half-time, Brisbane made an ideal start to the third quarter. Darragh Joyce, pushed forward, kicked the opening goal before Henry Smith added another to give the Lions a four-point lead.
The momentum proved short-lived as Essendon responded with the next three goals to establish a 17-point advantage, before extending the margin to 18 points by the final change.
Borlace swung Keidean Coleman from attack to defence early in the last quarter while encouraging his side to move the ball more directly.
The Lions generated patches of momentum but couldn't make the most of their opportunities as Essendon kicked the opening two goals of the term to stretch the lead beyond five goals.
Coleman provided a highlight midway through the quarter with a classy left-foot finish before the Bombers responded with three unanswered goals to push the margin to a game-high 43 points.
Brisbane fought the game out, with late goals to Sam Marshall and Luke Beecken reducing the final margin to 30 points.
Annable and Marshall finished with 32 disposals apiece, while McLachlan was Brisbane's only multiple goalkicker, kicking 2.3. McMahon finished with six goals and Boston Dowling kicked two straight with Elijah Tsatas finishing with a game high 35 disposals.
Final Score
Essendon Bombers 15.13 (103) def Brisbane Lions 10.13 (73)
