BRISBANE were too good for Collingwood on Friday night, returning to the flair and joy that characterised its 2023 premiership with a 52-point win at Brighton Homes Arena.
After leading by five points at quarter-time, the Lions took full advantage of the strong breeze in the second term, kicking four unanswered goals to lay the foundation for the 10.12 (72) to 3.2 (20) victory.
It pushed their record to two wins and one loss ahead of hosting the Western Bulldogs next Wednesday as the mid-season fixture crunch begins.
Sophie Conway was the catalyst for victory, kicking two of her three goals before the half, the second coming courtesy of a brilliant finish from 45m.
The dashing winger finished with 16 disposals, seven of which resulted in scores.
Conway had plenty of help, with midfielder Belle Dawes (22, a goal and six clearances) her usual high-energy self and vying for best on ground honours, while Taylor Smith continued her rapid improvement with three goals.
Ally Anderson followed up last week's record-breaking 43-disposal performance with another 21, Nat Grider and Bre Koenen were fantastic in defence and Jade Ellenger (19) ran strongly on the wing.
Following the heavy first-up loss to North Melbourne, the Lions have steadily improved the past fortnight, with a strong defensive effort to beat Melbourne followed by plenty of the run and linking up game that took them to last year's premiership evident against the Pies.
Collingwood started swiftly, with the game's first three scoring shots including a goal from Alana Porter.
Bri Davey (24 and a goal) fought hard against a Cathy Svarc tag, while Brit Bonnici (16 and a goal) was tireless.
BRISBANE 2.1 6.6 7.11 10.12 (72)
COLLINGWOOD 1.2 1.2 1.2 3.2 (20)
GOALS
Brisbane: Smith 3, Conway 3, R.Svarc, C.Svarc, O'Dwyer, Dawes
Collingwood: Porter, Bonnici, Davey
INJURIES
Brisbane: Nil
Collingwood: Nil
LATE CHANGES
Brisbane: Nil
Collingwood: Eleri Morris (illness) replaced in selected side by Sarah Sansonetti
