A late Jack Gunston flurry saw Brisbane surge to an 81-point victory over the West Coast Eagles at the Gabba today.

After the Eagles had conceded seven goals in the first quarter they did well to limit the damage thereafter before Gunston took advantage of a constant supply to finish with six goals.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Jack Darling of the Eagles kicks a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 17 match between the Brisbane Lions and the West Coast Eagles at The Gabba on July 8, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos)

The former Hawthorn triple premiership player who came back from a three-week hiatus hammered home the control enjoyed by his team as the young Eagle tired. Having done well to reel in the dominance of the Lions they dropped away in the last 10 minutes and that saw Brisbane finish 16.20 (116) to 5.5 (35) victors.

Generally the Lions, through Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lions and Will Ashcroft held sway through the middle and the result was 62 inside 50 entries compared to just 29.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Jayden Hunt of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 17 match between the Brisbane Lions and the West Coast Eagles at The Gabba on July 8, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos)

After holding back the flood of opportunities created by the Lions in the first 10 minutes of the match, Brisbane started to get a result for their dominance in and around the contest.

They scored seven goals from stoppage to put the Eagles on the back foot as the visitors struggled to get a meaningful forward 50 entry.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Jamie Cripps of the Eagles is tackled by James Madden of the Lions during the 2023 AFL Round 17 match between the Brisbane Lions and the West Coast Eagles at The Gabba on July 8, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos)

The Lions used the ball with zest and efficiency through the middle of the Gabba and were able to hit up targets inside the arc as Hugh McCluggage and Jack Dunstan proved dangerous, kicking two goals apiece for the term.

Key defenders Tom Barrass and Jeremy McGovern were doing their bit, intercepting some of those penetrating probes inside the defensive zone and eventually the Eagles hit back with the last two goals of the quarter.

Tim Kelly and Elijah Hewett provided some energy through the midfield and the forwards were looking more threatening through the increased opportunities.

In the second quarter the Eagles made it more of an arm wrestle and moved to shut down the Lions’ efficiency with numbers dropping behind the ball.

But a couple of defensive 50 turnovers opened the door and Brisbane led by 54 points at the main break.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Reuben Ginbey of the Eagles in action during the 2023 AFL Round 17 match between the Brisbane Lions and the West Coast Eagles at The Gabba on July 8, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos)

The Eagles continued to stem the flow in the third quarter and despite Brisbane pushing within scoring distance persistently they conceded only three goals, while Oscar Allen managed one after working hard and taking a mark on the lead.

Key defender Jeremy McGovern, a big part of the defensive effort, was subbed out of the game as a precautionary measure at three-quarter time. Having missed 14 weeks the Eagles were taking no risks and injected Tom Cole into the game.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Oscar Allen of the Eagles competes for the ball against Oscar McInerney of the Lions during the round 17 AFL match between Brisbane Lions and West Coast Eagles at The Gabba, on July 08, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos)

Brady Hough was also a positive, holding the dangerous Charlie Cameron goal-less.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Reuben Ginbey of the Eagles is tackled by Hugh McCluggage of the Lions during the 2023 AFL Round 17 match between the Brisbane Lions and the West Coast Eagles at The Gabba on July 8, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos)

Details
Brisbane                            7.3         10.8       13.14    16.20    116
West Coast Eagles              2.0          2.2         3.3       5.5         35
Goals – Brisbane: Gunston 6; McLuggage, Hipwood 2; McInerney, Bailey, Fletcher, Rayner, Starcevich, Wilmott.
West Coast Eagles: Darling, Hunt, Allen, J Williams, Kelly.
Best – Brisbane: Gunston, Neale, McCluggage, Ashcroft, Andrews, McInerney.
West Coast Eagles: Duggan, Barrass, Hough, Kelly, McGovern, Hewett.