Brisbane have suffered an early setback in their quest for a hat-trick of premierships, going down to an inspired Western Bulldogs side by five points on Saturday night.
Aaron Naughton levelled the scores with four minutes remaining with a goal from right in front thanks to an ill-disciplined Darcy Gardiner.
Gardiner went hard at Naughton in the marking contest but caught him late and high to give away a 50m penalty.
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Two minutes later the Dogs were ahead for good when Tim English pushed forward and marked on his own, converting easily for the match-winner.
Ed Richards was the architect of both goals to cap off a stellar performance, having kicked his second earlier in the fourth quarter, alongside captain and three-goal star Marcus Bontempelli.
Both sides finished the match a man down on the bench, with Lions star Hugh McCluggage sidelined by a calf problem and Bulldogs young gun Arty Jones concussed by Brisbane premiership captain Harris Andrews.
Andrews looks set to miss at least next week’s clash with Sydney after throwing an arm back to leave Jones unconscious before he hit the ground.
His expected suspension will be felt greatly by the Lions, who are without possible replacements Jack Payne and Tom Doedee, against Swans talls Charlie Curnow, Joel Armatey and Justin McInerney next Saturday night.
While Brisbane began to count the cost of the 15.16 (106) to 16.15 (111) defeat to the Bulldogs, Luke Beveridge’s side launched into deserved celebrations after the full-time siren.
The Dogs narrowly missed the finals last year but took it right to the premiers and never looked out of the contest even trailing by a game-high 26-point margin late in the third term.
The visitors pegged it back with two goals before the last change and created outstanding chances for a 7.1 fourth quarter to sealed a mightily impressive win.
Richards led the way with his seven clearances and 10 inside 50s but Matthew Kennedy (30 disposals, five tackles, five clearances) and new recruit Connor Budarick (27 disposals, one goal) both impressed.
Bailey Williams ended the night with four behinds and one extraordinary solo goal.
Brisbane were led in the midfield by former captain Lachie Neale (39 disposals, nine clearances) while Charlie Cameron kicked a game-high four goals.
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