Charlie Cameron at his absolute best as Brisbane Lions easily overpower Port in Adelaide wet

Charlie Cameron has turned it on in his second visit to Adelaide Oval since departing the Crows as the Brisbane moved closer to securing its first finals berth since 2009.

Charlie Cameron leads his team off the field after Brisbane’s big win.

It was party time for Charlie Cameron on Sunday night as he celebrated his 100th game with a starring role in the Lions’ 48-point victory over Port Adelaide.

Cameron booted four goals in his second visit to Adelaide Oval since departing the Crows as the Brisbane juggernaut rolled on to claim another big name scalp.

Another former teammate at Adelaide, Jarryd Lyons, also played a blinder on his old stomping ground, collecting a game-high 36 disposals, including 17 contested possessions, won nine clearances and kicked a goal.

It was difficult to split him and skipper Dayne Zorko, who was also superb with 24 possessions and three goals.

The 14.13 (97) to 6.3 (49) win, their 11th of the season, means the Lions will lock away their first finals berth since 2009 with victory over North Melbourne at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Brisbane were $3 outsiders against Port, who went into the round in seventh position and fresh off a 57-point drubbing of Adelaide in the Showdown last week.

They had never won at the ground and the loss of Eric Hipwood and Luke Hodge had the odds stacked against them.

They were further rocked by the late withdrawal of Hugh McCluggage, who complained of hamstring tightness on the morning of the game.

But these Lions fear no side and, now, no venue either.

Charlie Cameron celebrates a goal with Cam Rayner.

Charlie Cameron signals to the crowd after his goal.

They blew Port out of the game with an opening quarter blitz that silenced the 33,118-strong crowd, hammering home the first seven goals of the match.

The Power made their intent for Lachie Neale clear by assigning a hard tag from Cameron Sutcliffe, and asking every player who crossed the Lion’s path to make their presence felt.

They went overboard with it early and a bump 25m off the ball led to a free kick to Alex Witherden that delivered Brisbane their fourth goal.

The attention slowed Neale down briefly but, by the end of the game, he had again collected some serious numbers including a game-high 10 clearances from 24 disposals.

Charlie Cameron leads his team off the field after the Lions won by 48 points.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan had mixed feelings about the attention saying it was a tough night for Neale but it showed the Lions’ had great midfield depth.

“I thought it was a bit over the top to be honest, he got pounded,’’ he said.

“But hopefully what it showed is we are not a one-man band in our midfield.’’

It was once again a superb team performance from the Lions.

Little separated the two sides, with Brisbane holding slight advantages in clearances and inside fifties.

But their ability to repel Port Adelaide’s entries was first class and to score from their own was potent.

Charlie Cameron shrugs off a tackle from Travis Boak.

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT FROM THE LIONS V POWER CLASH

ONE Brisbane kicked the first seven goals to record their best start since Round 1, 2017. That game was a QClash and coach Chris Fagan’s (pictured) first in charge of the club.

TWO Another week and another unwanted record shattered by the Lions. Before last night they had never won at Adelaide Oval from six attempts.

THREE Charlie Cameron showed great sportsmanship in his 100th game. Cameron had done his opponent Ryan Burton in a footrace towards goal but dribbled the ball from 35m and missed, when he could have ran all the way in. It didn’t stop him trotting back to console Burton, who injured his hamstring in the chase.

FOUR For just a moment after Port kick a couple in the third quarter, Power fans with long memories wondered if they would finally get to avenge one of the classics between these sides. In 2009, Brisbane clawed back a 47-point deficit to claim a 15-point win. Daniel Rich and Travis Boak were the only two players out there last night remaining from that clash.

FIVE The Power are consistently inconsistent. Since their Round 9 victory over Gold Coast they have gone win, loss, win, loss. Makes tipping their clash next week against the red-hot Tigers confusing.

Compiled by Andrew Hamilton

Originally published as Charlie Cameron at his absolute best as Brisbane Lions easily overpower Port in Adelaide wet