BRISBANE has notched back-to-back wins after accounting for West Coast by 30 points at the Gabba on Saturday night.
After a low-scoring first half, the Lions exploded in the third term with five goals to blow the game open.
The onslaught started with a controversial free kick to Jarrod Berry, but there was nothing dubious about big contested marks from Oscar McInernery and Dan McStay that gave the Lions a 17-point buffer heading into the final term.
With a small but vocal crowd watching on, the home side powered away to the 10.14 (74) to 6.8 (44) victory.
LIONS TOO GOOD Full match coverage and stats
Despite the pre-match withdrawal of Dayne Zorko, the Lions' midfield didn't miss a beat with Lachie Neale (32 disposals and two goals), Hugh McCluggage (26), Jarryd Lyons (25) and Jarrod Berry (three goals) all racking up big numbers.
West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui was the most influential player on the ground in the first half and Andrew Gaff had the bill on a string, but the rest of the star-studded midfield was largely anonymous.
The Lions now move to 2-1 on the season and with the next two games at the Gabba, they could set themselves up beautifully for a top-four spot.
West Coast, who still has two more matches in Queensland, remains in the bottom six with just one win.
Nic Nat exposes Lions' weak link
Brisbane was without No.1 big man Stef Martin and his absence was telling with West Coast talisman Nic Naitanui dominating the ruck. Archie Smith, playing just his 12th senior match, and Oscar McInerney were no match for the star Eagle. Naitanui had 34 hitouts and nine clearances, as well as laying four tackles in a superb performance. The Lions still managed to get the four points, but with Martin banged up and nearing the end of his career, they will need to address their ruck situation for this season and beyond.
Was this tackle dangerous?
In the opening stage of the third term, Lewis Jetta was penalised for a dangerous tackle on Jarrod Berry 20m out from goal. The umpire said the Eagle drove the Lion head first into the ground in a dangerous manner. The resulting goal gave the Lions the lead that they never gave up.
Long road to 250
If there was anyone who deserved to get to the 250-game milestone it's four-time premiership defender Grant Birchall. The 32-year-old, who managed just eight games in his final three seasons at the Hawks, crossed to Brisbane in last year's Telstra AFL Trade Period. After missing the season-opener, Birchall has played the past two matches and looks to have put his wretched run with injuries behind him. If he can stay on the park, his experience could be crucial for the Lions in the finals.
BRISBANE 1.2 2.6 7.9 10.14 (74)
WEST COAST 2.1 3.4 5.4 6.8 (44)
GOALS
Brisbane: J.Berry 3, Neale 2, Starcevich, Cameron, McInerney, McStay, Bailey
West Coast: Ryan 3, Darling, Naitanui, Kennedy,
BEST
Brisbane: Neale, McCluggage, J.Berry, Lyons, Starcevich
West Coast: Naitanui, Gaff, Ryan
INJURIES
Brisbane: Dayne Zorko (Achilles soreness) replaced in selected side by Cam Ellis-Yolmen
West Coast: Nil