Joe Daniher kicked a career-best six goals in a slick second-half display by Essendon that propelled them to a convincing 58-point win against Brisbane on Sunday.
After a tight first half in which the lead changed hands eight times, the Bombers found another gear and powered away to the 21.10 (136) to 12.6 (78) win.
James Hird's side have copped some criticism for at times playing a slower, defensive game and their willingness to play on and move the ball quickly with the roof open at Etihad Stadium allowed them to kick their highest score since round three last season.
Daniher has shown glimpses of his abundant talent in the past, but in the 34th game of his career he was able to put that talent on show for more sustained periods.
He provided a strong presence in attack where he took eight marks - five of them contested - and could have finished with eight goals with slightly better conversion from set shots.
"There's been a lot of analysis about Joe's performances but he's a young player and to kick six goals is terrific," Hird said.
"I think Joe can be anything with a bit of luck ... he has exceptional talent and if he continues to work hard and do what he's been doing with his work rate he'll be an outstanding player for a long, long time.
"You've got to remember that he's a 34-game player, he's a 21-year-old and he's been in the system three years - he's got a lot to learn and (big guys) take a bit longer.
"(But) if he can keep putting up performances like that week in and week out he could be anything."
Daniher was well-supported by Paul Chapman and Adam Cooney, who finished with three goals and was involved in four others.
Both veterans were playing their first games back from injury absences, but the match didn't end well for Chapman who limped to the bench clutching his right hamstring in the last quarter and did not return.
However, Hird reported he had copped a knock to the muscle rather than sustained a tear or strain and is in line to play next week.
The final margin looked unlikely early as the Lions took the game right up to the hosts.
Tom Rockliff was important with 18 possessions in the first half, while Josh Green kicked three goals as Brisbane trailed by just five points at halftime.
But the Bombers made their move in the third quarter, kicking seven goals to two, with the Lions managing just four goals in the second half.
Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker impressed in the back half for the Bombers and Brent Stanton (25 disposals) and Ben Howlett (25) were also influential.
Rockliff finished with 27 possessions for Brisbane, with Marco Paparrone (22), Dayne Beams (20) and Stefan Martin (18 touches and 27 hitouts) also important.
"The third quarter obviously was the biggest problem of the game from our perspective," Lions coach Justin Leppitsch said.
"We gave up 11 shots from 14 entries and I think in a nutshell our young defenders just got beaten really.
"They out-marked us or we gave away free kicks. I think there were six free kicks against in our defensive 50 today, so they were under a lot of pressure."
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