Melbourne has answered their greatest challenge yet, coming from 20 points down to beat Brisbane in neutral territory.
The Lions dominated the first half and looked in full control before the game flipped on its head.
The Demons’ leaders in Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Steven May and Clayton Oliver did the damage and turned the tide of the contest.
Brisbane faded hard in the last quarter, with the Melbourne lead blowing out to 22 points.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: The heavyweight bout delivered
This was a genuine top four clash between two premiership contenders and we saw the absolute best of both.
Brisbane’s came in the first half. Their midfield got on top and their key forwards marked everything that came their way.
Steven May and Jake Lever were challenged for the first time in real one-on-one battles and the Lions forwards exposed them.
After half time however, it was all Melbourne and the on-ball contest flipped on its head.
May suddenly was everywhere, while Tom McDonald and Kysaiah Pickett found space forward of the ball.
In the end, the Lions fell off late. They’d give everything they had and it wasn’t enough against the current standard bearer.
The Star: Zac Bailey
Zac Bailey appears to love the big stage.
The Brisbane midfielder kicked four goals, none of which were conventional.
He also booted four when the Lions played Richmond on a Friday night a fortnight ago and he has quickly put himself in All-Australian contention.
David King said early in the season he felt Bailey could be the wildcard for the Lions this year, which has proven true.
What it Means: Melbourne is the undisputed top side
Melbourne was pushed to the brink by Brisbane and yet ended up winning comfortably.
They emphatically knocked off the Bulldogs last week, they smacked Richmond, they beat Geelong and Sydney and they’re now 11-1.
They’re two games clear on top and the premiership race will go through Demons.
What’s next?
Melbourne faces Collingwood in the traditional Queen’s Birthday contest … except it will be played at the SCG. Brisbane meanwhile enter their bye and have a chance to refresh.
FULL SCORE
Melbourne 2.3, 5.4, 10.9, 14.13. (97)
Brisbane 4.4, 8.8, 10.8, 11.9. (75)
GOALS
Melbourne Pickett 3, McDonald 3, Petracca 2, Fritsch 2, Jackson, Gawn, Neal-Bullen, Sparrow
Brisbane Bailey 4, Cameron 2, Hipwood, McCarthy, Zorko, Coleman, Daniher
BEST
Melbourne Petracca, Gawn, Oliver, Pickett, Brayshaw, McDonald, May
Brisbane Bailey, Zorko, Rich, Andrews, Lyons, Starcevich, Ah Chee
INJURIES
Melbourne Hunt (shoulder)
Brisbane Lester
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