WITH the wind at their back, the Brisbane Lions roared out of the gate to set up a 25-point drubbing of Melbourne.
The win solidified the Lions’ spot in the top four and left the Demons ruing the lost opportunity to be crowned minor premiers.
In easily their best showing of the season, the Lions booted eight to win 53-28 and capped a strong season in which they’ve beaten all the top three outfits. One of those three, the Adelaide Crows, are the next target for the Lions, who travel to Norwood Oval to face them.
Dakota Davidson and Sophie Conway both kicked a brace and Jade Ellenger stood out in a fine team performance. Ellenger had 22 disposals bombing up and down the wing and showing up in both attack and defence.
She wasn’t alone in dominating the ball, with Ally Anderson, Belle Dawes and Cathy Svarc all power in the middle and captain Bre Koenen impassable at the back, snaring 12 intercepts.
It’s fair to say that Brisbane overwhelmed a Melbourne side that had already snared their place in the top two, as the Lions scored 42 inside 50s to 24. Melbourne kept at it but were no match for a Lions team that was determined to put last week’s poor showing behind them.
But they didn’t run away with it early, letting themselves down with some poor kicking as Melbourne stayed steady in defence. When the Demons had the wind they put on three goals to lead. Brisbane soon fought back though with a sweeping move that ended with Charlie Mullins booting a beauty and then Davidson popping through after a pack mark to lead at the half.
Irish import Jen Dunne caught the eye again, keeping gun forward Eden Zanker quiet as a mouse and snatching nine intercepts. She looks to be key in the upcoming finals series.
ROUND 10:
BRISBANE LIONS (8.5) 53
MELBOURNE DEMONS (4.4) 28
