The Brisbane Lions delivered a ruthless statement at the Gabba on Sunday, dismantling a struggling Essendon side 149 to 59 — a 90-point thrashing that extended their winning streak to five games and pushed them to the edge of the AFL top four. The two-time defending premiers were led by the timely return of veteran defender Dayne Zorko, who made an immediate impact after missing time with a quad injury and reminded everyone exactly why he remains indispensable to Chris Fagan's squad.
Zorko's return galvanises Brisbane's quest for a three-peat
Brisbane had endured a rocky stretch — dropping three consecutive matches in a period that saw genuine questions raised about their premiership credentials. With Zorko sidelined, the backline lacked direction and struggled to move the ball cleanly out of defence. His return changed the complexion of the side almost instantly.
The 37-year-old finished the match with 32 disposals, orchestrating play from the back half and supplying the midfield with a constant stream of opportunities to push forward. It was a performance that served as a timely reminder to Lions' hierarchy as he chases yet another contract extension — the kind of player who simply cannot be replaced.
With Zorko pulling the strings behind the ball, the midfield clicked into gear. Lachie Neale gathered a remarkable 40 disposals and five clearances with an ease that belied the effort involved, while Will Ashcroft produced a match-winning all-round display — three goals, 33 disposals and eight clearances — regularly combining with his brother Levi, who slotted two goals of his own. Kai Lohmann was the most clinical forward across the opening two quarters, bagging three goals including a spectacular overhead grab in congested traffic.
A dominant display — despite a nervy final quarter
Brisbane entered half-time with a 52-point lead, even as Fagan would have been agitated by his side's forward-half efficiency, which sat at just 54.1 per cent. The Lions sharpened significantly after the main break, with Eric Hipwood (two goals), Logan Morris, former Bomber Sam Draper and Josh Dunkley all adding to the tally, turning what had been a clinical win into a near-record rout.
Morris drew a free kick directly in front to bring up Brisbane's century with a set shot — a milestone that also kept the 21-year-old in contention for the Coleman Medal. Defender Ty Gallop anchored Brisbane's backline, ensuring Essendon were held scoreless for more than 37 minutes before Peter Wright finally slotted the Bombers' first goal. Their second did not arrive until the opening minute of the final term.
That fourth quarter, however, brought a degree of anxiety. With Zorko resting for much of the term, the Lions eased off and allowed Essendon to kick 6.3 — an open invitation that nearly cost Brisbane the chance to leapfrog Adelaide into the top four on percentage. Essendon's Nate Caddy (two goals), Andrew McGrath, Isaac Kako, Sam Durham and a third to Wright all contributed to a late flurry. It required a rapid Will Ashcroft double to ensure Brisbane climbed the ladder.
Essendon's rebuild still a long road ahead
For Essendon, Sunday's capitulation offered a sobering assessment of where the club stands. Their only win of the season remains a victory over Melbourne back on April 11, and the manner of this defeat — outclassed in virtually every department — underscored just how lengthy the road back to relevance will be, regardless of who ultimately takes the coaching reins long-term.
As for Brisbane, the victory — their fifth in succession — means the whispers of a historic three-peat, echoing the Lions dynasty of the early 2000s, are growing louder with every passing round. Opponents have been warned.
