ESSENDON has survived a storming second half by the Brisbane Lions to make it two-from-two with a 27-point victory at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Bombers looked home when they led by 42 points late in the second term, but the new-look Lions wouldn't roll over.

Eric Hipwood gave the home team the lead early in the last quarter with his second goal, before the Bombers steadied, kicking the game's final five goals to win 17.9 (111) to 12.12 (84).

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Orazio Fantasia put his team back in front for the final time, kicking the fourth of his five goals at the nine-minute mark of the last quarter.

Kyle Langford, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, David Zaharakis and Fantasia (after the siren) kicked further goals to blow the scoreline out.

It didn't reflect how close the contest was, but the Bombers must be commended on their composure and ability to run the game out.

Jobe Watson (34 disposals) was magnificent in his second game back from a 12-month suspension, while Zach Merrett (32) was involved in most things good from the Bombers.

Coach John Worsfold said he challenged his team before the final term, particularly his midfield, after being outplayed in the third.

"They (players) knew, they came in at three-quarter time and were disappointed with what they did," he said.

"We basically challenged them to take it on, said we're not going to support you - as in put extra numbers in there - we know what's going on, let's step up to that challenge and they did that.

"It was really pleasing that they drove that.

"The boys could have been flat with themselves, they were a bit disappointed, but they were more focussed on the last quarter and how we wanted to come out and play."

Five talking points: Brisbane Lions v Essendon

While Fantasia was a livewire in the front half, Joe Daniher (three goals) and Cale Hooker (two) continued to provide strong targets and form a dangerous partnership.

The Bombers' first half was blistering, with eight unanswered goals either side of quarter-time blowing the game open.

Or so they thought.

The slick ball movement was too much for the Lions to handle, as they quickly transitioned from the back-half to the forward line to create a plethora of chances.

But the Lions wouldn't go away - they are a different team in 2017 under Chris Fagan.

Despite the comeback, Fagan was not pleased with his team's second performance under his guidance.

"I was just really disappointed with their effort in the second quarter, the fact that Essendon were able to get some ascendancy," he said.

"Unfortunately we had to play catch-up from that point onwards and we did a great job to get back in front and then couldn’t sustain it.

"That is a lesson for us."

After kicking the final two goals of the second quarter to reduce the margin to 29 points, they upped their intensity significantly after half-time.

Stefan Martin began to have his way around the stoppages, while skipper Dayne Beams (33 touches) was again highly influential in the six goals to two quarter.

The Lions had just 21 tackles in the first half, but cranked out 24 in the third term alone, as well as dominating the clearances 15-8 to cut the lead to just five points.

Eric Hipwood uncorked a spectacular left footed effort and Dayne Zorko matched it on the siren with a 45m gem off the outside of his right boot, as the Lions roared back.

MEDICAL ROOM
Brisbane Lions: Once again the Lions escaped unscathed despite a few scares. Skipper Dayne Beams had his foot stood on in the second half and went off for treatment before playing the game out, while Lewy Taylor and Dan McStay both suffered head gashes but were taped up and played strongly. 

Essendon: No problems for the Bombers either. With just Josh Green's hamstring twinge in the opening fortnight, it's been almost the perfect beginning for John Worsfold's men.

NEXT UP
The Bombers will start odds-on to make it three-in-a-row when they take on arch-rivals Carlton at the MCG next Sunday afternoon, while the Lions will face a desperate St Kilda – looking for its first win – at Etihad Stadium on the same day.


BRISBANE LIONS  3.2   5.6   11.9   12.12 (84)
ESSENDON            4.2  10.5   12.8   17.9 (111)

GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Close 2, Beams 2, Hipwood 2, Rich, Robinson, Taylor, Andrews, Lester, Zorko
Essendon: Fantasia 5, Daniher 3, Hooker 2, Zaharakis 2, Colyer, Merrett, Goddard, Langford, McDonald-Tipungwuti 

BEST
Brisbane Lions: Beams, Martin, Zorko, Rockliff, Hipwood, Cutler
Essendon: Merrett, Watson, Fantasia, Heppell, Goddard, Colyer 

INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Nil
Essendon: Nil 

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Jeffery, Stephens, Fisher

Official crowd: 21,749 at the Gabba