After weeks of media speculation as to whether the Brisbane Lions could replicate their home form on the road, they delivered a wonderful performance at Marvel Stadium to dispense of the Blues, and in the process, confirmed that they are indeed one of the big contenders in 2023.
The Lions looked “on” from the outset, with their forward pressure a highlight against a Carlton team that looked a step too slow and bit off the pace.
Led by their prized recruit, Josh Dunkley, who did a fantastic job of nullifying Patrick Cripps around stoppages, the Lions looked more potent, roving to both the work of their own big man, Oscar McInerney and the Blues’ ruck, Marc Pittonet.
In a repeat performance from a couple of weeks ago, the Blues had no problems winning the footy – they were +57 for the game – but they failed to use it as well as their opponents. The Lions were more precise, more potent, and more desperate when the ball was there to be won.
The win will likely secure Brisbane a top four spot by the end of the round and has provided a solid base to launch into the remainder of their season. As for the Blues… well, depending how things go this weekend, they may sit outside the top eight and in a pack that will be clawing to secure one of the lesser finals spots – not where you want to be…
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