The Brisbane Lions’ Eric Hipwood slotted five goals in a record 79-point pounding of Port Adelaide that lifts the Lions into the top eight.
The Lions booted a 12 consecutive goals in their highest score against the Power, winning 23.14 (152) to 10.13 (73) at Adelaide Oval.
Orchestrated by midfielders Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley, the Lions’ third straight win hoists them to eighth spot ahead of Sunday matches.
The Power, 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 half-time 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 disposals, while midfield mates Neale (37 disposals, 10 clearances), Dayne Zorko (25 disposals) and Zac Bailey (26, one goal) also thrived.
McInerney logged a career-high three goals and shared the hitouts with the Powers’ 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.
The Power, who lost goal sneak Willie Rioli (calf) pre-match, meekly folded when the Lions charged and could not score a goal for about 45 minutes.
Vice-captain Zak Butters (35 disposals, eight clearances) and skipper Connor Rozee (28 disposals) found few effective allies in the Power’s fourth defeat in seven matches.
Forward Mitch Georgiades kicked three goals as the Power crashed to an unwanted record. Their previous heaviest loss to the Lions was 69 points in 2006.
AAP