DESPITE a valiant fourth-quarter comeback, the Lions have fallen to Carlton by 25 points in the NAB Cup Grand Final.

In his return game, Jonathan Brown finished strongly, booting two goals in the final term, but it wasn't enough as Leigh Matthew's men lost 2.12.7 (97) to 10.12 (72) in front of 46,094 fans at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne.

After heading into the fourth quarter 22 points down, the team battled valiantly to recapture their earlier form, with quick goals toBrown and Chris Johnson bridging the gap to 17 points.

Matthews would no doubt find comfort in the performance of several youngguns, including second-year player Cheynee Stiller, who looked dangerous in the forward line with two goals.

The Blues seized the initiative in the third quarter, booting six goals toone as Brisbane lost their focus and Brendan Fevola broke the shackles tokick two majors.

Inaccurate kicking by the Lions continued to cost them dearly, with just a solitary goal in the third term from Stiller and three behinds.

Earlier, a rampant Lions outfit headed into the major break leading by seven points after piling on four consecutive goals in the second quarter.

Black was an inspiration in the middle, collecting nine possessions in the second quarter alone.

In a pulsating first quarter, Brisbane's Justin Sherman drew first bloodafter a searing run in the opening 30 seconds to score the Lions' firstgoal.

CARLTON: 1.2.1, 1.4.3, 2.9.3, 2.12.7 (97)

BRISBANE LIONS: 0.2.2, 0.6.7, 0.7.11, 0.10.12 (72)

NINE POINT GOALS: Carlton: Fisher, Carrazzo. Brisbane Lions: Nil.

SIX POINT GOALS: Carlton: Fevola 4, Fisher 3, Scotland, Koutoufides, Russell, Whitnall, Stevens. Brisbane Lions: Stiller 2, Johnson 2, Brown 2, Moody, Sherman, Wood, McGrath.

BEST: Carlton: Stevens, Murphy, Thornton, Fisher, O'hAilpin, Fevola. Brisbane Lions: Black, Harding, Adcock, Stiller, Sherman, Fixter.

INJURIES: Carlton: Nil. Brisbane Lions: Notting (dislocated shoulder).

REPORTS: Cameron Wood (Brisbane Lions) by umpire Jeffery for striking Cain Ackland (Carlton) in the third quarter.

UMPIRES: Stevic, Vozzo, Ryan, Jeffery.

CROWD: 46, 094 at Telstra Dome.