BRISBANE has thrust itself back near the top of the premiership conversation with an emphatic 49-point win over a disappointing Port Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.
Missing Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale for the first time since he joined the club, the Lions were full throttle from the opening bounce and ran out 13.15 (93) to 5.14 (44) winners.
Their third straight victory – and fourth in succession against Port – came on the back of a powerful midfield, fluent ball movement and brilliant defensive effort.
Port, the second-highest scoring team in the league, generated 58 inside 50s to Brisbane's 50, but led by dual All-Australian fullback Harris Andrews, the Lions gave barely a sniff.
Two of Port's five goals came deep into the final quarter.
Charlie Cameron was a constant danger in the forward half, kicking four goals in his best display of the season, while Joe Daniher continued to build on his impressive campaign with two goals.
Hugh McCluggage (31 disposals and six clearances) was class in wet conditions, while Jarryd Lyons, captain Dayne Zorko, Zac Bailey and Mitch Robinson all stepped up in Neale's absence.
Brisbane's hunt for the ball, and defensive intensity without it, exposed a Port outfit that didn't look up for the fight.
Ollie Wines, Willem Drew and Aliir Aliir aside, it was an uninspiring performance from Ken Hinkley's team.
The Lions jumped from the blocks quickly with goals to Dan McStay, Daniher, Cameron and Bailey all on the back of slick ball movement.
BRISBANE 4.5 8.8 11.15 13.15 (93)
PORT ADELAIDE 1.2 2.6 3.9 5.14 (44)
GOALS
Brisbane: Cameron 4, Daniher 2, Bailey, Ah Chee, McCarthy, McCluggage, McStay, Prior, Zorko
Port Adelaide: Bergman, Drew, Gray, Wines, Woodcock
BEST
Brisbane: McCluggage, Andrews, Daniher, Zorko, Cameron, Lyons
Port Adelaide: Wines, Aliir, Drew, Amon
INJURIES
Brisbane: Nil
Port Adelaide: Burton (rib)
SUBSTITUTES
Brisbane: Berry (unused)
Port Adelaide: Mayes (replaced Burton)
Crowd: TBC at the Gabba
