Brisbane’s Eric Hipwood has slotted five goals in a record 79-point pounding of Port Adelaide that lifts the Lions into the AFL’s top eight.
The Lions booted a dozen consecutive goals in their highest ever score against Port, winning 23.14 (152) to 10.13 (73) at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Hugh McCluggage of the Lions celebrates a goal with teammates.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Orchestrated by midfielders Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley, the Lions’ third straight win hoists them to eighth spot ahead of Sunday games.
Port, whose third consecutive loss is their biggest ever to the Lions, were within six points early in the second quarter.
But propelled by Dunkley, who had 20 disposals and six tackles in a standout first half, the visitors kicked the next seven goals in a stunning 21-minute burst to the break.
The onslaught featured two majors each to Hipwood, Logan Martin and ruckman Oscar McInerney as Brisbane took a 45-point halftime lead, 12.8 to 5.5.
The Lions continued in top gear after the break, scoring another five consecutive goals and cracking the 100-point barrier just nine minutes into the third term.
When Hipwood converted his fifth major midway through the quarter – his side’s 12th in a row – the Lions held a commanding 77-point advantage.
The prolific Dunkley finished with 32 possessions, while midfield mates Neale (37 touches, 10 clearances), Dayne Zorko (25 disposals) and Zac Bailey (26, one goal) also thrived.
McInerney logged a career-high three goals – he shared the hitouts with Port’s recalled ruck Jordon Sweet 30-32, but the big Lion gathered eight clearances in his influential display.
Hipwood, who kicked six goals against the Western Bulldogs two games ago, feasted in attack alongside Joe Daniher (three goals), Morris and Cam Rayner (two goals, 20 disposals), while Hugh McCluggage and Bruce Reville also booted two goals each.
Port, who lost goalsneak Willie Rioli (calf) pre-match, meekly folded when the Lions charged and couldn’t score a goal for about 45 minutes.
Vice-captain Zak Butters (35 touches, eight clearances) and skipper Connor Rozee (28 possessions) found few effective allies in the Power’s fourth defeat in seven games.
Forward Mitch Georgiades kicked three goals as Port crashed to an unwanted record: their previous heaviest loss to the Lions was 69 points in 2006.
AAP