Lions signal title intent with dominant Bombers win as Dayne Zorko makes successful return
Bullying the competition cellar dwellers may not be the most emphatic of premiership flexes, but the Brisbane Lions’ massive destruction of Essendon was a sign that they would be out to make a statement, regardless of opposition.
But a fourth-quarter loss may have frustrated coach Chris Fagan and nearly cost him a chance at a place in the AFL’s top four.
Led by the returning Dayne Zorko, the two-time defending champions have propelled themselves to the top of the top four – placing fifth on 22.17 (149) to 8.11 (59) – while the scent of a three-peat title to rival the legendary Lions of the early 2000s grows stronger on tour.
Fagan’s men have put an end to a frustrating month that saw their title credentials questioned after three successive defeats; Meanwhile, the backline, missing Zorko due to a quad injury, struggled to sync up and direct traffic from their end.
But with the tireless veteran making a lethal comeback on Sunday afternoon, Brisbane were unstoppable against an Essendon side still searching for their second win of the season; their only success was against the Demons until April 11.
And while the hapless Bombers did not have the scalp that would have made their fellow Lions heavyweights shudder in fear, the fact that they did not appear to have abandoned cruise control was perhaps their most ominous warning at the Gabba.
Fagan’s only upset at half-time was likely to be the goal his team had scored within 50 points; Even though they had a 52-point lead, their efficiency was only 54.1 percent.
Zorko dominated the backfield, finishing Sunday’s match with 32 disposals. It’s a timely reminder to the Lions hierarchy of just how influential he has been, as the 37-year-old pursues another contract extension.
The timeless veteran gave his midfield numerous opportunities to probe further forward – Will Ashcroft (three goals, 33 disposals, eight clearances) regularly combined with brother Levi, including the latter’s first two goals, while Lachie Neale (40 disposals, five clearances) looked everywhere without breaking a sweat.
Kai Lohmann has proven to be the most composed player in front of the sticks throughout the first two terms; He scored three goals, including a superb header, in a tight contest.
But any inconsistency Brisbane had in attack was quickly destroying their exit from the big break; Two goals from Eric Hipwood and further goals from Logan Morris, former Bomber Sam Draper and Josh Dunkley ensured the clash looked more like a bloodbath than a game of football.
Morris’ second goal from a forward free kick brought up Brisbane’s century; The 21-year-old kicked another to continue his quest for the Coleman Medal.
It took over 37 minutes for Essendon to finally score, with the Lions’ defensive unit led by Ty Gallop and Peter Wright. – He refused to give them any chance.
The Bombers had to wait until the first minute of the fourth period for their second goal, again via a set-piece shot from Wright.
While Nate Caddy (two), Andrew McGrath, Isaac Kako and Sam Durham added their names to the scoresheet and Wright left the third behind, Brisbane took their foot off the gas and almost cost Adelaide the chance to get into the top four on percentage terms.
It took a quick double from Will Ashcroft to make sure they moved up the ladder.
Once the Lions started moving the ball in the lane, it looked like they had so much time to do their bidding that it served as a harsh lesson in how long this rebuild will take — no matter who they give the coaching job to in the long run.
But the fact they won the fourth quarter – going from 7.2 to 6.3 as they looked at a 95-point lead in the final half while Zorko was rested for most of the term – undoubtedly brought some cheer and hopeful signs to interim Mr Dean Solomon.
McCluggage is returning, but when will he be released?
Since suffering a calf injury in the first quarter of the opening round, Hugh McCluggage has become a shadow of the man who stormed the first Australian blazer last season.
The Brisbane vice-captain missed a further four weeks with a similar issue and made his comeback alongside Zorko on Sunday; but apart from an early goal he had less success.
Averaging just 17 touches per game this year – 10 fewer than his exploits in 2025 – the 28-year-old had the opportunity to get back into the game as his teammates dominated their younger, beleaguered opponents, finishing with 16 touches and two shots.
He made a fine play-on touch after a point to gift Charlie Cameron his second goal in a quiet but flawless performance.
McCluggage’s injury-interrupted year (limited to just 10 of a possible 17 games) left Lions fans wondering when they would see the best of their superstar.
If he can time his run and rediscover his best in the final changes of the season, as his team continues to win with that old devastating touch of his, then he will emerge as a finals X-factor that could truly power Brisbane to a third straight flag.
