Joe Daniher has carried Brisbane's attack against his old club, kicking six of their 12 goals in a comeback AFL defeat of plucky Essendon.
The former Bombers star was the source of the Lions' first four goals, his quick-fire double after halftime a turning point in a 12.15 (87) to 6.9 (45) Gabba win.
Down by 10 points at halftime, the Lions kicked 10 goals to two after that to move to second on the ladder.
"Since the Dogs game when all the world caved in on him about his performance he hasn't played too badly," Lions coach Chris Fagan said of Daniher's fine run of form.
"It felt a little bit like the Bulldogs game in round three ... I wondered at halftime how we'd respond."
"But it was pretty calm at halftime; we knew what we needed to do."
It was Brisbane's (7-2) sixth straight victory and a fourth consecutive loss for the Bombers (4-5), who were down on key men but made the hosts earn it.
Mason Redman (30 disposals) was prolific in the absence of star Essendon teammate Darcy Parish (calf) while Andrew McGrath put the clamps on a goalless Charlie Cameron.
For Brisbane, defenders Jack Payne and Harris Andrews were well supported by veteran defender Ryan Lester while Lachie Neale finished with 34 disposals and eight inside 50s.
Dylan Shiel appeared to shake off a third-quarter ankle injury while Zach Merrett managed seven clearances as the Bombers held tough against the Lions' all-star midfield.
The Lions had averaged 119 points in their four home games this season but had just two goals - both Daniher's - in a paltry 19-point total at halftime.
Missed sets shots from Daniher, Eric Hipwood and the returning Dayne Zorko all from the same slight angle meant they had no pay for their domination to begin the second quarter.
The Bombers obliged, Jake Stringer kicking straight and then Kyle Langford using his body smartly to snap the visitors to a shock lead.
There was a deluge of possession Brisbane's way in the third, 22 inside 50s to five painting the picture as the Lions lifted.
And they didn't waste them, Daniher kicking his third and fourth goals to put the Lions back in front and the lead quickly swelled.
The beanpole forward then squeezed out two more majors in the final term to kill any hopes of a comeback.
Bombers coach Brad Scott praised McGrath's work on Cameron as he tried to remain positive.
"We came with a clear plan and were executing it," he said.
"They overwhelmed us (in the third quarter to) ... eventually get the game on their terms but for large parts it was on our terms."
