1. Too big, too experienced, too good
Both sides came into Saturday night's match full of confidence, with one win already in the bank. But Essendon's win had come against the premier team of the last decade, Hawthorn, while the Brisbane Lions had just clung on against a fast-finishing but not as impressive Gold Coast. It showed in this match, with the Bombers standing up in key moments, and using the ball more effectively. Jobe Watson (34 disposals, eight marks) and Dyson Heppell were too strong in the midfield, while bigger bodies at either end in Brendan Goddard and Cale Hooker were too much for the young Lions line-up.

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2. Lions' second-quarter fadeout
After a promising opening quarter, the Lions coughed up eight consecutive goals, six of those coming in the second term. The Bombers started dominating the clearances, leading 19-11 at half-time. Their quick ball movement through the midfield was a highlight, although the pressure from the Lions by this stage was virtually non-existent. Orazio Fantasia was too quick and skilful for Nick Robertson, finishing the first half with three goals and five for the match. Zach Merrett's work out of the middle was excellent, and Heppell provided a valuable link between the centre and the forward line.

3. The comeback match?
Essendon has been promoting this season as their "comeback story", but the Brisbane Lions decided to stage a little comeback of their own. Towards the end of the second quarter they were 42 points down. One minute into the fourth quarter, the Lions hit the front courtesy of an excellent set-shot from an acute angle by Eric Hipwood. Stefan Martin got the ball rolling from the ruck, wresting control away from undersized opponent Shaun McKernan and having several clearances of his own. The addition of Mitch Robinson to the middle also helped, as the Lions simply ran harder than they had previously – as shown by goals to defenders Harris Andrews and Ryan Lester.

4. Captain Beams
Halfway through the second quarter, new Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Beams could have been forgiven for wishing he'd never accepted the captaincy. His team was seven goals down, and with 19 disposals to half-time, he was battling virtually alone. But Beams should be proud of the fight shown by the Lions - their ability to halt Essendon's momentum and eventually hit the front was impressive. Beams was integral in the comeback, kicking two important goals – one from outside 50, the other a snap on a tight angle – in his 33 touches, backing up from last week's best-on-ground effort. 

5. Time for some new boots?
There were questions over the state of the ground at the Gabba in the lead-up to the match after Cyclone Debbie battered the state of Queensland, but the Lions appeared to have greater problems with their boots. Nick Robertson ran out several minutes in the first quarter with just one boot, sporting an unusual combination of maroon sock and fluoro yellow shoe. Not to be outdone, Hipwood halted the match for a few minutes to put his boot back on, after taking a mark within scoring distance. It was worth the wait, the up-and-coming forward slotting a goal from 50m on the boundary line.