Brisbane have continued their unbeaten start to the 2023 season, succumbing the Dons to a fourth consecutive loss in the 16.13 (109) to 6.5 (41) result on Sunday afternoon. 

The Lions were always going to provide a strong challenge on their home deck, and their fast start ultimately set the tone for the 68-point deficit to come, booting the first four of the game unanswered. 

Essendon were up for the fight throughout the second and third terms in some trying Queensland conditions and managed to keep the contest relatively even in parts, but found themselves unable to chip away at the early lead. 

The Bombers eventually ran out of legs in the final period, with the Lions kicking three in the space of five minutes to blow out the scoreboard advantage. 

The losses of Kaine Baldwin and Zach Reid from the side left the Bombers’ tall stocks in defence depleted, and the Lions took full advantage in the second half. 

There were still some positive signs to take from the day for the developing Bombers, with Quinton Narkle continuing his glittering run of form in a 29-disposal, two goal display. 

AFL-listed Dons Will Snelling and Rhett Montgomerie also fought valiantly on a tough day, with the latter grabbing a team-high nine marks for the game in a familiar floating role across the back six. 

Harry Minton-Connell didn’t miss a beat on his debut, looking very much in place with a promising 18 disposals and six marks. 

As expected, Nick Bryan competed fiercely as the primary ruck option, tallying 29 hit-outs to go with another seven clearances and 20 touches. 

The Dons will now look ahead to their massive matchup with Richmond at the MCG on Saturday, May 20th, kicking off at 2:35pm. 

BRISBANE           4.2    8.4    12.6   16.13  (109)  
ESSENDON         0.2    2.4    5.4      6.5      (41)  

GOALS (ESSENDON): 

Narkle 2, Conforti, Cootee, Rasinac, Wanganeen