Say what you like about players lifting for milestone or celebration games, but there's no doubt the Lions made an extra big effort for their superstar's farewell on Saturday night. Despite taking 23 minutes to register their first score – a rushed behind – the Lions were energetic and manic in the opening term to a level rarely seen this season. They had 29 tackles in the opening term and capitalised on the scoreboard in the second. Brown's lap of honour at half-time had all of the 15,862 spectators on their feet, and not one ducked for cover despite heavy rain. The Lions tried hard to lose it in the final quarter, but if coach Justin Leppitsch could bottle that emotion every week, he'd win many more games.

 

For a team wanting to play finals and even push to the top four, the Kangaroos took another giant hop backwards. They've defeated Port Adelaide and both the Sydney Swans and Fremantle on the road but are no doubt the most frustrating team in the competition after another below-par performance. It was all summed up in a horrible second quarter. One Lions passage of play did an entire lap of the Gabba with uncontested marks before James Aish took another mark in open space on the 50m arc and goaled. Aish and Josh Green were also the beneficiaries of poor play by the man on the mark that allowed them to play-on from marks outside their range and goal. The lazy play was contagious for much of the night despite almost pinching the match late.

Five talking points: Brisbane Lions v North Melbourne 

 

In a mark of growing respect for rejuvenated Rohan Bewick, the West Australian was given the task of minding North champ Brent Harvey. It was a fairly loose check over much of the ground, but as soon as Harvey came forward of centre, Bewick picked him up. Not only did he keep the 36-year-old quiet for most of the night – he had 23 disposals, but just one goal and not much influence in the forward 50 – he also got plenty of ball himself. Bewick was recalled a month ago against the Western Bulldogs where he had a career-high 30 disposals, and after another 24 here, looks to have found a home on the wing.

 

Not only does Brown leave a gaping hole in leadership, but a cavernous void in the forward line. The Lions lined up with Daniel Merrett and youngster Michael Close as the key targets with Marco Paparone playing a hit-up role. Merrett was a terrific option in the first half, taking four marks inside 50, but the regular full-back kicked like a defender to register just one goal, two out on the full and another failing to make the distance. Close did not get much ball, but looked a good target. He had 15 disposals, eight marks – including three contested – and added a goal of his own. The two crashed packs, created contests and generally played in a much similar vein to their former skipper.

 

While Pearce Hanley played his best game for the season (34 touches) and Jed Adcock and Joel Patfull took crucial late marks, it was the Lions' young brigade that showed the club might not be as far away as many people think. First-year players Aish (23 touches and two goals) and Lewis Taylor (23) mixed excitement with composure. Dayne Zorko was his usual spark, and Claye Beams in just his sixth game this season showed a touch of class the Lions' midfield has been missing with two long-range goals to go with his 18 touches.