Brisbane recorded the first four inside 50’s of the half and booted two goals in this time.

When the Lions added another two goals, the margin was just nine points in Essendon’s favour.

A run of five Brisbane goals ended when Joe Daniher converted after good lead up play from Zach Merrett.

Brisbane got back into the game on the back of Stefan Martin who in a 15 minute patch in the third term had nine possessions, five clearances, five contested possessions and four inside 50’s.

The Lions had a decisive edge in the clearances (13-4) and tackles (20-14) throughout the third term.

The home side kicked four goals from turnovers in the third quarter leaving the margin at the final change just five points in the Dons favour.

Brisbane hit the front early in the last quarter before Orazio Fantasia put the Dons back in front with his fourth goal and then Kyle Langford extended the margin to nine points.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was one of the sparks late in the game for the Dons. He set one goal up and kicked another to see the margin grow to 15 points.

From there the Bombers were able to control possession and secure the win.

The experienced trio of Brendon Goddard (20 possessions), James Kelly (17 possessions) and Jobe Watson (34 possessions) were important when the game was in the balance in the second half.

Orazio Fantasia finished with five goals as the Bombers won by 27 points.