The Brisbane Lions have staved off a withering Carlton comeback to hold on by four points and record their third victory of the season at the Gabba on Saturday.
 
The Lions led by 40 points at half-time and stretched it to 41 early in the third term but had to withstand some nervous moments late before winning 15.9 (99) to 13.17 (95).
 
Dale Thomas had a set shot from deep in the left forward pocket with two minutes remaining to put Carlton in front, but missed to the near side.
 
On a hot Brisbane afternoon, the Blues finished full of running and kicked eight goals to three in the second half and were probably unlucky to lose in the end.
 
They had 68 inside 50s to 46, but were wasteful in the final two quarters, kicking 8.12.
 
But after being humiliated by 94 and 138 points in matches against Port Adelaide and Adelaide in the past fortnight, the Lions were happy to fall over the line.
 
"It was a grit win," coach Justin Leppitsch said.

"It was really up to their boot, that was the difference in the points.
 
"We obviously moved the ball well, fast, and blew ourselves up a bit, so couldn't sustain it for the second half but credit to them, they played extremely well in the second half of the game, and obviously had enough opportunities to win it.
 
"Fortune favours us today and it's a good feeling for our club."
 
The win was just the Lions' second at home this season and consigned Carlton to their ninth straight loss.

The Lions have an incredible first-half performance from Dayne Zorko largely to thank, along with a great captain's display from Tom Rockliff.
 
Zorko finished with 27 disposals and three goals, but his first-half performance was one few of the 17,432 fans will forget.
 
He had 19 touches, 10 inside 50s, three goals and four goals assists at the break.

Blaine Boekhorst tagged him well in the second half to quieten his influence.
 
Zorko had plenty of mates chiming in to help, and unlike so many of the home team's performances this season, it was the senior players who stood up to be counted.
 
Rockliff (39 disposals, 12 tackles and two goals) was both prolific and influential and coach Justin Leppitsch should tell Mitch Robinson (22 disposals, 11 tackles) he's playing Carlton every week, such is the energetic tagger's output against his former club.
 
Michael Close kicked four goals while young defenders Darcy Gardiner and Harris Andrews were heroic under fire.

The Lions won, but Carlton gave them a huge fright.
 
Coach Brendon Bolton was seething with his team's first half, but pleased with the second half turnaround.
 
"We've been making progress, but I think for 45 minutes in that game, the first quarter-and-a-half, we really plateaued and then showed a lot of spirit after that," Bolton said.
 
"In the second half we had opportunities, but probably just didn't connect as much as we should."
 
Levi Casboult kicked four goals, while running half-backs Kade Simpson (26 touches) and Zach Tuohy (24) ran riot after the main break.
 

MEDICAL ROOM

The Blues had a couple of scares during the third quarter with ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (calf) and first-year defender Jacob Weitering (wrist) both being assessed by the team doctor. Both returned to play the last quarter-and-a-bit and looked untroubled.

 
BRISBANE LIONS      7.2     12.3     14.7      15.9       (99)                  

CARLTON                   3.2      5.5      9.12      13.17     (95)      
   
GOALS

Brisbane Lions: Close 4, Zorko 3, Rockliff 2, Rich, Hanley, Smith, Lester, Walker, Cutler

Carlton: Casboult 4, Silvagni 3, Wright 2, Phillips, Boekhorst, Buckley, Armfield

BEST 

Brisbane Lions: Zorko, Rockliff, Robinson, Gardiner, Close, Cutler

Carlton: Curnow, Casboult, Tuohy, Simpson, Buckley, Cripps

INJURIES 

Brisbane Lions: Nil

Carlton: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Deboy, Hay, Ryan

Official crowd: 17,432 at the Gabba