Lions lift in second half as Daniher boot sinks Bombers

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.

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.

When Jye Menzie was awarded a 50-metre penalty after rounding up Brandon Starcevich with possession they had a 10-point buffer at the main break.

There was a deluge of possession Brisbane's way in the third, 17 inside 50s to two 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.

Zac Bailey kicked the Lions' fifth and when Oscar McInerney marked strongly and Hipwood's radar improved the hosts were 23 points clear.

Langford booted his second against the run of play though and the gap was 17 at the final break.

Nick Hind's slow release cost his side a goal, a 50m penalty allowing Bailey to kick his second to open the fourth quarter.

Daniher then effortlessly swung onto his left, hooking a shot around his body to kick a fifth to kill his former side's hopes of an upset.