Lions’ veteran Brent Staker become the unlikely hero with fourth quarter goal.
Brisbane Lions’ Brent Staker celebrated his first AFL game in more than a year by kicking the winning goal to see his side sneak home an important 10-point win against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
With the margin favoring neither side by more than 12 points for the entire game, the Lions kicked the last two majors to earn the win 14.12 (96) to 12.14 (86).
It is the second game-in-a-row the Bombers have lost after going through the first six weeks of the season undefeated.
Staker slotted the winner from a tight angle and near the boundary line and was soon mobbed by teammates after his long return from a knee reconstruction.
Brisbane key forward Jonathan Brown chose an important game to return to form in bagging two goals and grabbing 11 marks.
Brisbane enjoyed a fast start by kicking the first two goals of the game before the Bombers lost Michael Hurley after he was slung to the turf by Daniel Merett.
The home side also lost Elliot Kavanagh after a heavy hit, but he did return the ground later.
Dyson Heppell was the best in a losing side for the Bombers after collecting 26 touches and snaring two goals.
Essendon will look to bounce back to form when they tackle Richmond next round while Brisbane will look to stay on a roll when they host Carlton at the Gabba.
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