Brisbane Lions made a dominant start against Adelaide Crows, racing to a 27-point lead at quarter-time in their battle for a preliminary-final place against Hawthorn.
Kai Lohmann opened the scoring after just 29 seconds, setting off a burst of five unanswered goals in less than eight minutes. Adelaide eventually steadied, with Daniel Curtin and Luke Nankervis getting the Crows on the board, but Brisbane remained firmly in control.
The Lions led the inside-50 count 10-0 at one stage before Adelaide reduced the deficit to 18-11 by the break. Brisbane finished the opening term with 6.6 (42), while the Crows managed 2.3 (15).
Brisbane’s intensity came after a week in which its defensive pressure had been heavily criticised. However, the Lions missed set shots from Eric Hipwood, Harris Andrews and Ryan Lester, giving Adelaide a chance to stay within reach.
The Lions will need to maintain the pressure after their emphatic opening quarter and avoid allowing the Crows back into the contest.
