Brighton Homes Arena provided the perfect sunny afternoon for a goal filled contest with Will McLachlan kicking eight majors.
The Kangaroos opened the game with a three goal burst. The Lions responded through Koby Evans, followed by Sam Tilley and Dan Annable. North put two more majors on the board before McLachlan kicked the final sealer of the quarter, leaving the Lions trailing by five points going at the first break.
Irishman Ben Murphy booted the second quarter's first goal to give the Lions the lead for the first time, before Oscar Allen extended the advantage with another major. North were quick to respond with three goals before McLachlan kicked three more of his own alongside two majors from Tai Hayes. It was a back-and-forth affair as the Kangas took a 10-point lead into the main break.
The Lions dominated the third term, with Luke Beecken opening the scoring. Some crafty handball work between McLachlan and Tilley setup Cooper Hodge for Brisbane's second goal of the quarter. Allen kicked another before McLachlan kicked his fifth goal of the game. Hodge, McLachlan and Murphy combined for four more goals to see Brisbane storm to a 24 point lead going into the final quarter.
McLachlan was again unstoppable, booting his eighth for the afternoon. From there, Brisbane's scoring dried up, managing mostly behinds. North Melbourne kicked three majors, but it wasn’t enough with Brisbane holding on to claim a 13-point victory.
Dan Annable was instrumental with a game high 34 disposals, as was Sam Marshall with 22 touches. Zane Zakostelsky also impressed collecting 22 hit outs.
Next Saturday morning, the Lions take on Carlton at IKON Park for Round 19 of Smithy's VFL.
Final score
Brisbane Lions 20.11 (131) def North Melbourne 19.4 (118)
Goals
McLachlan 8, Allen 2, Hayes 2, Hodge 2, Murphy 2, Annable, Beecken, Evans, Tilley
Best
Will McLachlan, Shadeau Brain, Dan Annable, Zane Zakostelsky, Sam Marshall and Lincoln McCarthy
