Lions too good at home

Brisbane has consolidated its position in the top half of the ladder after defeating fellow top-four contender Adelaide by 13 points in a tight encounter at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Crows looked set for yet another win in the Queensland capital when they led by 15 points midway through the third term before two late goals by the Lions saw them claw to within two points at the last change.

Three further goals to Brisbane in as many minutes to open the final term had them out by 16 points before withstanding another late Adelaide challenge to win 11.17 (83) to 10.10 (70).

The Crows have had the wood on the Lions in recent times, winning their past three clashes stretching back to 2006 - including two at the Gabba.

And when Adelaide took a two-goal buffer at the main break it looked like continuing its hoodoo over Brisbane.

Enter Jared Brennan, whose move into the centre of the ground after half-time proved a masterstroke by coach Leigh Matthews.

Along with midfielder Luke Power, who was outstanding all night with 40 disposals and six marks, Brennan showed why he is such a talent with 31 touches, 12 marks and a goal to lead his team out of trouble.

With Jonathan Brown kept to just two goals by Ben Rutten, ruckman Mitch Clark provided a focal point up forward with three goals, while Anthony Corrie and Robert Copeland also booted two each.

Michael Doughty was excellent for the Crows with 38 possessions but he lacked support through the middle as the usual prime movers in Andrew McLeod (21) and Scott Thompson (15) were kept quiet.

It was a scrappy affair early with neither side able to capitalise on scoring chances.

It took 13 minutes to score the first goal with Corrie breaking the drought after converting from 40m out.

Brown added a second for Brisbane two minutes later before Corrie snagged his second with three minutes remaining to send the Lions to a three-goal lead.

But late goals to Bernie Vince and Jason Porplyzia saw the Crows hit back late to go into quarter-time down by four points.

Adelaide took control in the second term with Brett Burton - back in the team after a two-week suspension - Nick Gill, Richard Douglas and Ivan Maric all converting chances.

Brisbane had its chances to draw away in the third quarter but six consecutive behinds didn't help its cause.

That run was broken when Copeland converted a set shot following a Crows turnover in the middle, before Clark kicked one to send his team into the final change just two points behind.

A relentless Brisbane then slammed on three majors to start the last quarter to give them a 16-point break.

Adelaide kicked two of the last three goals of the match through Porplyzia and Scott Stevens but the Lions held on to record their eighth win of the season.

BRISBANE: 3.3, 4.7, 7.14, 11.17 (83)
ADELAIDE: 2.5, 6.7, 8.10, 10.10 (70)

GOALS: Brisbane: Clark 3, Corrie 2, Brown 2, Copeland 2, Brennan, Notting
Adelaide: Porplyzia 2, Vince, Burton, Gill, Douglas, Maric, Bock, Jericho, Stevens
BEST: Brisbane: Power, Brennan, Patfull, McGrath, Rischitelli, Drummond
Adelaide: Doughty, Edwards, Knights, Johncock, Porplyzia
INJURIES: Brisbane: Adcock (ankle)
Adelaide: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: James, Meredith, Ryan
CROWD: 29,964 at the Gabba

Sportal AFL Player of the Year votes:
3. L Power (Brisbane)
2. J Brennan (Brisbane)
1. M Doughty (Adelaide)