Brisbane has shaken off the early season rust and made a big statement, comfortably handling Melbourne at the MCG.
The Lions dominated from start to finish, picking holes in the Demons' defensive grid and completely controlling field position.
The sting was well out of the game early in the fourth term, with the 82-59 final score not reflective of the visitor's control. The margin got out as high as 49.
It was a dirty night for a few star Dees, while Brisbane got everything they would've wanted from their guns.
See our ratings for every player below!
Note: These gradings are heavily weighted towards what players did while the game was alive, particularly for Melbourne
Melbourne
Max Gawn - A
Well on top in the ruck all night, but the Dees struggled to make anything of it. Still, the skipper gave it his all.
Trent Rivers - B+
One of the few who tried to inject some speed and run into the game for the Dees.
Jake Lever - B
Held up well despite the avalanche of entries. Kicked a rare goal late.
Tom McDonald - B
17 disposals and 8 marks shows he was a factor in their attempts to move the footy, even on a rough night.
Tom Sparrow - B-
Ed Langdon - B-
Steven May B-
Brisbane did their best to keep him quiet and deep inside defensive 50, but he still had a few intercepts and took the game on with corridor kicks.
Jack Viney - B-
Brisbane kept the game uncontested and wide - not ideal for the inside bull Viney who had minimal impact.
Blake Howes - C+
Kade Chandler - C+
Trying to run and make things happen, but didn't have a whole heap of help.
Judd McVee C+
Caleb Windsor - C
Ran hard and tried to make things happen all night. Is going to develop into a very handy wingman.
Alex Neal-Bullen - C
Koltyn Tholstrup - C-
Provided some energy on debut.
Taj Woewodin - C-
Subbed into the game early in the first quarter, but struggled to find the footy.
Jack Billings - C-
Jacob van Rooyen - D+
Showed some signs in the fourth term after a rough night.
Bayley Fritsch - D
Ice cold after an early goal. Second week in a row he's been well beaten - though last week he got off the chain and kicked three in a 10-minute burst.
Clayton Oliver - D
After a very quiet first half, Oliver spent some time at half back as the Dees tried to get him involved. Well off his best from previous years.
Christian Petracca - D
Maybe his worst performance in a long time, unfortunately. Minimal impact in the first half and a few desperation plays in the second half that didn't come off. He'll bounce back.
Harrison Petty - F
Didn't touch the footy through three-and-a-half quarters... Not that the ball came his way particularly often. Tried to 'tag' Harris Andrews, but wasn't a factor.
Ben Brown - F
Ben Brown has not had a disposal in five of his last eight quarters of footy.
Christian Salem - N/A
Suffered a hamstring injury early in the first quarter and was subbed out.
Brisbane
Cam Rayner - A
Was the best player on the ground while the game was in dispute, dominating the first quarter and setting a personal best for clearances, to go with two early goal assists.
Hugh McCluggage - A
One of the best midfielders at hitting the scoreboard in the comp, McCluggage kicked two to go with his usual influence in the middle.
Harris Andrews - A
Stifled many of Melbourne's rare thrusts forward. It didn't matter if it was Petty or Van Rooyen, he was too good for both.
Ryan Lester - A-
Was a brick wall at half back, laying big tackles and influencing contests. Had an excellent game.
Lachie Neale - A-
The two-time Brownlow Medallist enjoyed his milestone game. Wasn't as prolific as he can be, but won clearances and had an impact offensively.
Josh Dunkley - A-
The leading disposal-winner tonight. Covered the ground well and found plenty of it around the ground.
Jarrod Berry - B+
Found plenty of the ball around the ground, taking 10 uncontested marks, but also laid eight tackles.
Charlie Cameron - B
When Charlie Cameron touched the footy, Brisbane scored. Finished with three goals, but cost himself a fourth trying to get a bit fancy late.
Zac Bailey - B
Kicked the sealer early in the fourth to snuff out any hope. Hasn't had a super start to 2024, but was good tonight.
Dayne Zorko - B
Clearly enjoying his role playing across half back as an attacking option.
Jack Payne - B
Joe Daniher - C+
Kicked two early goals, but couldn't capitalise on other opportunities as the game went on.
Kai Lohmann - C+
Provides a spark of energy that the team needs at times. Good to see him out of the sub role.
Jaspa Fletcher - C+
Oscar McInerney - C+
Beaten by Gawn across the night, but still laid tackles and won a handful of clearances.
Brandon Starcevich - C+
Darcy Wilmot - C
A quiet night across half back for Wilmot, but has still had a solid year to date.
Darcy Gardiner - C
It'll be interesting to see whether the Lions persist with Gardiner in the old Dan McStay role. From the outside, it doesn't appear to be having a huge say in games.
Noah Answerth - C
Eric Hipwood - C
Had a big say early, kicking two first quarter goals. Then went missing from there.
Lincoln McCarthy - C-
Tried to take mark of the year a couple of times, but wasn't his night.
Callum Ah Chee - C-
James Tunstill - N/A
Was never subbed into the game! Bit unfair in a comfortable win, you'd think?
