BRISBANE has pulverised Port Adelaide by 48 points in a win created by a stunning seven-goal burst which will send shudders through AFL rivals.
The Lions booted seven-consecutive goals in the initial 22 minutes of Sunday’s 14.13 (97) to 6.13 (49) victory on a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval.
Brisbane rise to third on the ladder with their fourth win in a row – the past two on the road against finals fancies, Port and GWS.
The Power’s yo-yo season continues, sliding to ninth spot after meekly surrendering a chance for successive wins for the first time since rounds five and six.
Brisbane’s brilliant opening blitz came as Port tried to rough up the Lions and their star midfielder Lachie Neale.
But the Lions expertly defied the ploy and the wet conditions with a powerhouse performance – when Mitch Robinson converted in the 22nd minute, they led 7.0 to 0.1 and the result was effectively settled.
The closest Port could get was 30 points – their quarter-time deficit.
Lions captain Dayne Zorko was superb with three goals and 24 disposals, while teammate Charlie Cameron booted four goals in his 100th AFL game.
Brisbane’s Jarryd Lyons (36 disposals) was influential in a dominant midfield alongside Zorko, Robinson (21 touches, one goal) and Neale (24 disposals).
Port’s Sam Gray scored two majors while defender Darcy Byrne (30 possessions), Robbie Gray (32 disposals, one goal), Travis Boak (32 disposals) and Ollie Wines (32 touches) battled against the tide.
But the Power’s loss was compounded by the loss of backman Ryan Burton, who strained a hamstring when trying to chase down Lions livewire Cameron in the third quarter.
Burton missed two games earlier in the season because of a tear to the same hamstring.
Brisbane hosts North Melbourne on Saturday night at the Gabba, where they will play four of their remaining six matches before finals, while Port meet resurgent Richmond on Saturday at the MCG.
© AAP 2019
BRISBANE LIONS 7.1 10.6 12.12 14.13 (97)
PORT ADELAIDE 2.1 3.4 6.4 6.13 (49)
Goals: Brisbane Lions: C Cameron 4 D Zorko 3 L McCarthy 2 A Witherden C Rayner J Lyons M Robinson Z Bailey. Port Adelaide: S Gray 2 C Dixon R Bonner R Gray Z Butters.
Umpires: Shaun Ryan, Simon Meredith, Sam Hay.
Official Crowd: 33,118 at Adelaide Oval.
