GREATER Western Sydney's win against Brisbane has been overshadowed by a shocking Jeremy Cameron elbow on Harris Andrews that is likely to see the star forward cop a lengthy suspension.

The Giants moved to within half-a-win of eighth with their 16.13 (109) to 12.10 (82) victory, but Cameron's first quarter shocker could have larger ramifications.

Cameron raised his elbow in a marking contest, making contact with Andrews' face while the Lions vice-captain was trying to spoil.

COSTLY WIN FOR GIANTS Full match coverage and stats

Andrews crashed to the ground concussed with blood streaming from his mouth and barely moved before being stretchered off.

The 21-year-old had his jaw stitched and sat on the bench for the second half but did not return to the field.

With a difficult month ahead, including matches against Hawthorn, West Coast, Richmond and Port Adelaide, GWS will be sweating on the Match Review Officer's adjudication on Cameron.

It would not surprise if he was referred directly to the tribunal.

HIT TO THE CHIN Five talking points

Cameron has a poor record, with 10 charges resulting in two suspensions, including being rubbed out for four weeks after breaking Lion Rhys Mathieson's jaw in the 2016 pre-season.

Speaking to Fox Footy after the match, Cameron explained his side of things.

"I just saw the ball coming in, I like to go the ball really hard," he said.

ANALYSIS Cameron set for Tribunal date

"It was unfortunate I hit him in the head. I definitely didn't want to hurt him. I played the ball on merits."

Cameron put the incident behind him to kick three goals and temporarily move alongside Ben Brown to lead the Coleman Medal race.

The Lions were again valiant in defeat, but the Giants held them at arms' length for most of the night, making it three straight wins.

Giants coach Leon Cameron said he was pleased with the win but there was plenty to work on.

"To come away with a 27-point or 30-point win is really pleasing, but it was disappointing that (in) the last three or four minutes they kicked the last two or three (goals)," he said.

SHOWREEL Cameron plays villain and hero

"There was some good things, there was some bad things. We clearly let them go from one end of the ground to the other and our pressure wasn’t to the level it needed to be.

"Particularly after the last two weeks, the Gold Coast and the Adelaide game, I thought it was really good, but we need to obviously do a fair bit of work on that during the week."

With Stephen Coniglio (26 disposals) back in the line-up, their all-star midfield was back to its best, led by the strong-running Josh Kelly (30 disposals and two goals), Lachie Whitfield (26) and Dylan Shiel (26).

The defence also stood up well, thwarting many Lions forays, with Sam Taylor doing a fine job in keeping Eric Hipwood to three goals.

Without their All Australian contender Andrews, the Lions can hold their heads high.

Coach Chris Fagan said he was proud of his team after also having to play without Darcy Gardiner (ankle) for about a quarter before he returned.

"I liked the character of our players to hang in there," he said.

"The effort was there again tonight. I thought our ball movement at times was fantastic."

After watching the Giants stream to a 36-point lead early in the third quarter, the home team scrapped and clawed to within 15 points early in the last after a clever Allen Christensen finish.

Daniel Rich (30 disposals) and Luke Hodge (30) – playing his best game for his new club – were magnificent in defeat.

Hodge wound back the clock, not only marshalling the undermanned backline, but managing to climb high for a super second quarter grab and kick his first goal for his new club.

MEDICAL ROOM
Brisbane Lions: Andrews was sick and sorry post-match and coach Chris Fagan said he would be assessed through the week. "I don't think he remembers too much about what happened," Fagan said. Darcy Gardiner hobbled off in the opening quarter with an ankle problem but returned with a hobble and eventually ran the game out strongly. 

Greater Western Sydney: No problems for the Giants, with Stephen Coniglio (26 touches) very strong on his return from concussion.

NEXT UP
The Giants start a tough month of footy that could define their season with a home match against Hawthorn next Saturday night, while the Lions make the longest trip in the game to play Fremantle in Perth on Sunday afternoon.

BRISBANE                              3.2       4.4       7.6       12.10 (82)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 5.2       8.4       10.9     16.13 (109)

GOALS
Brisbane: Hipwood 3, Christensen 2, Zorko, Cutler, McInerney, Berry, D.Beams, Bailey, Hodge
Greater Western Sydney: Cameron 3, Patton 3, Kelly 2, Griffen 2, Finlayson, Taranto, Hopper, Reid, Langdon, Himmelberg

BEST 
Brisbane: Rich, Hodge, D.Beams, Taylor, McCluggage, Walker
Greater Western Sydney: Kelly, Whitfield, Shiel, Coniglio, Haynes, de Boer

INJURIES 
Brisbane: Andrews (concussion), Gardiner (ankle)
Greater Western Sydney: Nil

Reports: Jeremy Cameron reported for striking Harris Andrews in the first quarter.

Umpires: Donlon, Fisher, Harris, Pannell

Official crowd: 11,267 at the Gabba