Brisbane Lions crush St Kilda with 45-point statement win

Brisbane put their Round 6 stumble firmly behind them with a commanding 45-point win over St Kilda on Saturday afternoon, dominating from the opening bounce to secure a 17.16 (118) to 11.7 (73) victory at Marvel Stadium.

The Lions’ ferocity around the ball and clinical finishing overwhelmed the Saints, with Eric Hipwood (four goals), Zac Bailey (three goals, 24 disposals) and Lachie Neale (31 disposals, three goals) starring in a complete team performance. Neale’s work through stoppages, in tandem with Hugh McCluggage (21 disposals, one goal) and Will Ashcroft (35 disposals), ensured the Brisbane Lions dictated terms all afternoon.

In slippery conditions caused by overnight rain and a suspected open stadium roof, both sides struggled early, but Brisbane’s dominance in territory soon told. Despite a sluggish start inside forward 50, once the Lions found their rhythm they piled on the goals, generating 24 inside 50s in the first term alone to build a strong early lead.

The Saints briefly threatened to turn the contest after half-time, booting three quick goals to narrow the gap to 17 points. Jack Sinclair and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera led the charge from half-back, but Brisbane’s seasoned midfield steadied the ship. Neale and McCluggage lifted around the ball, and Zac Bailey’s class around goal ensured the Lions regained control to slam home four of the next five majors and snuff out any hopes of a St Kilda comeback.

Brisbane’s forward pressure was a major factor, forcing countless turnovers and punishing St Kilda’s mistakes. Cam Rayner, Dayne Zorko and the Lions’ small brigade feasted on opportunities, contributing to the +24 pressure differential at halftime that typified their hunger after last week’s disappointing outing.

Meanwhile, Charlie Cameron endured a frustrating day in front of goal, finishing with four behinds and going a third straight match without a major, though his forward pressure remained influential.

For St Kilda, Jack Higgins was a rare bright spot, kicking three goals to move to the top of the Coleman Medal leaderboard alongside Hipwood and Fremantle’s Josh Treacy. However, injuries and selection headaches compounded the Saints’ woes. Hugo Garcia was tactically subbed out midway through the second quarter, while Mason Wood entered concussion protocols after a heavy knock in the third term.

Coach Ross Lyon now faces some tough questions after his side conceded over 100 points for the third consecutive match, with midfield and defensive cracks becoming increasingly evident. The Saints were comprehensively outplayed in clearances (52-34) and couldn’t generate enough scoring opportunities to challenge the Lions for long.

The win continues Brisbane’s strong record at Marvel Stadium, where they’ve now won 11 of their past 13 matches, and reinforces their credentials as a top-four contender as they march deeper into the 2025 AFL season.

St Kilda v Brisbane final score

St Kilda 11.7 (73)
Brisbane 17.16 (118)

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