Brisbane have made a statement with tall forward Joe Daniher booting four goals as the Lions defeated Geelong 13.16 (94) to 7.8 (50) at the Gabba.
Brisbane’s gun forwards have fired to deliver the Lions a massive 44-point AFL win over Geelong at the Gabba.
Joe Daniher kicked four goals for the Lions on Thursday night while Charlie Cameron booted three, including a third-quarter effort after a high-flying mark, as Brisbane moved to third on the ladder with the 13.16 (94) to 7.8 (50) win.
The star duo were ably supported by ex-Cat Lincoln McCarthy and Eric Hipwood, who kicked two goals each.
The victory is Brisbane’s sixth straight win at the Gabba and only their second win over the Cats since 2013, while defeat ends Geelong’s six-game winning run.
“It was important for us to try and start to win against those other top four sides,” Lions coach Chris Fagan said.
“We haven’t been able to do that at all this season yet, so it’s always better as you’re going into the latter end of the year to record those sorts of victories if you can. So, yeah, pleasing.”
It wasn’t just Brisbane’s frontline firing, with Daniel Rich, captain Dayne Zorko and Mitch Robinson among several influential players for the home team.
Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale also played his part, despite an injury scare in the first quarter where he appeared to hurt a shoulder following a tackle by Jeremy Cameron but quickly returned to play out the game.
In contrast, Geelong’s big three forwards – Cameron, Tom Hawkins and Gary Rohan – had a tough night as they were smothered by Brisbane’s defence.
All three failed to kick a goal until the fourth quarter when Hawkins and Rohan broke their ducks, with Isaac Smith and Zach Tuohy the only multiple goalkickers for the visitors.
Cats’ captain Joel Selwood (13 disposals) also had a quiet night by his lofty standards.
“It’s a long time since we’ve been beaten that badly,” Cats coach Chris Scott said, before adding the defeat wouldn’t have him reaching for the panic button.
“You never come away thinking, ‘Oh, well, that’s fine’. We can’t completely gloss over it but there’s a big body of evidence that we’ve put together now.
“I’m not in the business of castigating players who have been really good for you for a long period of time, on the basis of one performance.”
The Lions burst out of the blocks in the opening term, dismantling the Cats through the middle of the field with some superlative transition football.
The hosts kicked four unanswered goals, and missed a couple of gettable shots, while holding the Cats goalless in the opening.
Their lead had extended to 36 points by the time the Cats got their first goal of the match through Tuohy.
Patrick Dangerfield and Smith added two more as the Cats sparked a mini revival.
The aggression that marked the clash between these two sides in Round 2 re-ignited in the second term with multiple skirmishes between players and 21 free-kicks handed out in the quarter.
Out of the chaos, the Lions regained ascendancy and took a 34-point lead into the main break.
That lead had extended to 43 going into the final quarter, with Cameron’s mark of the year contender before his third goal the highlight as the Lions professionally saw out the game in the final term.
AJ73
Roar Rookie
I get that, but they way the have lost games this year I wouldn't have much hope. It has been different nearly each time. The only consistent thing each time has been they have come out strong but can't keep it going. Geelong put 9 unanswered goals on them, St Kilda ground it out, WCE overan them in the last 10mins. They need to fix several things, not one or two. Add to that teams are not worried about then as they have been for the last couple of years. They will be a danger possibly in finals, but having a 1-6 record against the other top 8 sides I'm struggling too see them doing much after Rd 23.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
No, but I have to respect a team that has won 3 of last 4 flags. Until Richmond has ben cut down to having no arms and no legs, like the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, I will respect its fight.
AJ73
Roar Rookie
After last night, I wouldn't be talking Richmond up too much.
AJ73
Roar Rookie
So Bulldogs and PA aren't fast running teams? What about Richmond? Looking unbeatable in June is different to September. The Cats looked more flatter than not keeping up. I may be wrong down the line, but I wouldn't be reading too much into it at the moment as Brisbane were up for it last night. The true test will be later.
O M
Roar Rookie
Yep! Agree but I will look with interest at how you treat the other "favourites" in your future posts.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
For sure,I still believe the Cats might be the team to beat but they are not unbeatable
dab
Roar Rookie
This week's premiership favourite, after they beat the tiges will be ... Wait for it ... StKilda!
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Not convinced on Melbourne, yes they have been brilliant but no major injury concerns! Cant see them improving See more upside in teams like dogs & port
Clear as mud
Guest
yep I went off you, after the game at Giants and then the so-so efforts since see how the Crows face up next week. (still trying to find ways for Tiges to be 4th - but we really just need to win tonite) That Richmond-Brisso game at the G in a few weeks - should be a cracker, as with the one in 2019
Clear as mud
Guest
it's better than reading about being locked down for a week
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
yes, they should beat the lower teams, but let us see how they go next time against Richmond and Melbourne.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
It was clearly an aberration Cats will be fired up next week & all forgotten!
Chanon
Roar Rookie
They make umpires look stupid it’s a blight on our great game!
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Don’t forget the dogs!
Roger of Sydney
Roar Rookie
I reckon this game went exactly to script. Geelong can't stay with fast running teams and if you stop the ball going into the forward lines then 3 forwards don't count. Cats have a lot of sunshine players, play well when the team is winning but don't stand up when they are not. Brissie looked near unbeatable last night, maybe Melbourne v Brissie GF who knows
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
Brisbane made mincemeat of the cats.geelong on that performance will not win the flag.they have to win those big games or at least get close.44 points just doesn't cut it.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
How quickly the wheel turns. Geelong had the flag in the bag this week, on the back of getting out of jail last week, and now they're old and had it. Is anyone else sick of the weekly premiership favouritism predictions?
Clear as mud
Guest
some merit in making appealing for frees a free-kickable offence. it's basically dissent.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Now there are two teams Geelong won't wanna face in finals!
DTM
Roar Rookie
Is it just me, or is everyone getting sick of players: faking for free kicks diving and appealing for a free kick with out stretched arms Both teams were guilty of it last night and whilst the umpires made some errors, they were no better or worse than normal. Time for the players to just get on and play the game.