Grading every player as the Lions storm into the Semi-Finals

Brisbane have waltzed through to the semi-finals, dominating from the jump to claim a 28-point win over the Blues.

A cagey start to the first term saw a 12-minute lull before Cam Rayner bounced home the opener, and didn't the floodgates open!

The Lions managed five goals from 10 scoring shots while holding the Blues scoreless in the opening term, the first time a club has gone scoreless in the first quarter of a final for a whopping 50 years.

Brisbane continued to pile on the pain, claiming the first 60 (!) points of the contest before Carlton finally found the sticks through none other than Patrick Cripps, lighting a fire reminiscent of Opening Round.

The Baggers managed five straight goals to put them right back into the contest, halving the margin by midway through the third.

Despite a flip in momentum, the Lions held on to a strong 40-point lead entering the final exchange which proved too much to overcome.

Brisbane looking every bit a team to watch as they dominate, claiming the contest 14.15 (99) to the Blues' 11.5 (71).

We graded every player in the final contest of September's openers.

Brisbane Lions

Dayne Zorko: A+

A great performance to summarise a brilliant season. Swept off the back flank with ease, responsible for several repeat entries as the Lions built their insurmountable lead. 29 touches, seven intercepts and eight score involvements.

Hugh McCluggage: A

A major factor in Brisbane’s electric start, carried all throughout the game. Six clearances and eight tackles to go with his 24 disposals.

Cam Rayner: A

In the form of his life. Looked up to it early, slotted the first of the game and didn't look back. Finished with three majors.

Lachie Neale: A

Effortlessly good from the champion. So clean in tight as always. Game-high nine clearances, 14 contested touches of his 27.

Oscar McInerney: A

Used his size to dominate early, outplayed Pittonet all day.

Will Ashcroft: A-

A great performance in his first finals action. Near perfect with the footy, led the game with nine score involvements. Scary to think how good this kid will be.

Kai Lohmann: B+

Such a valuable asset for the Lions, quickly becoming one of their most influential front-half players.

Zac Bailey: B+

You get the sense Bailey could truly light up this September season. Such a wildcard. 18 and a goal.

Harris Andrews: B

Joe Daniher: B

Two first term goals set the tone for the day, quiet afterwards but did enough to capitalise on the first half onslaught.

Brandon Starcevich: B

Equal game-high 10 intercepts, controlling the back half.

Logan Morris: B

The kid can play. Ignoring the goal square miss, Morris did plenty right in the forward half.

Jarrod Berry: B

Darcy Wilmot: B

A strong game amongst a resolute backline.

Charlie Cameron: B-

Only takes half an opportunity for this bloke to find the sticks.

Eric Hipwood: C+

Ryan Lester: C+

Solid all day.

Callum Ah Chee: C+

A few nice goals.

Josh Dunkley: C

Wasn't able to effect Cripps as he has in past meetings.

Jaspa Fletcher: C

Noah Answerth: C-

Just the six touches.

Jack Payne: N/A

Super unfortunate to go down with a knee injury on his return after an extended period on the sidelines.

Conor McKenna: N/A

Subbed into the contest for the second half.

Carlton

George Hewett: B+

Influential in giving the Blues a chance, particularly in the third term. Led the game with 33 disposals, used it well and found the goals.

Patrick Cripps: B+

Fought as hard as ever. Has put his club on his back for so long and despite a lack of support tonight, continued to put his body on the line. 31 hard-earned touches.

Jacob Weitering: B+

Competed all day in a defence under siege.

Blake Acres: B

Another great game from Acres.

Tom De Koning: B-

Brought in very early after being somewhat questionably named the sub, proved very effective in stemming the flow. Hard to understate how vital a healthy TDK is for this team.

Sam Walsh: B-

Certainly no Gary Ayres medal this year but a solid effort regardless.

Nic Newman: B-

A warrior in the back half.

Harry McKay: C+

Presented all day, three goals.

Sam Docherty: C+

The heart of a lion and more. Such an incredible effort to return to footy and run out the game.

Lachlan Cowan: C+

A few really good moments to cap off a very strong season.

Lewis Young: C+

Had some good moments in the back half. Nine marks and 10 intercepts.

Adam Cerra: C

Used the ball well.

Mitch McGovern: C

Six intercepts.

Elijah Hollands: C

Oliver Hollands: C-

Went to Zorko in the second half, did okay.

Orazio Fantasia: C-

Kicked a ripping goal to fire up the Carlton faithful.

Marc Pittonet: C-

Beaten by McInerney.

Corey Durdin: C-

Adam Saad: C-

Zac Williams: C-

Jesse Motlop: D+

Brodie Kemp: D+

Will be eagerly awaiting Charlie Curnow's return.

Matthew Kennedy: N/A

Tactically substituted in the second quarter.

Brisbane will look to carry their strong form into next week as they face no easy feat in the Giants, while the Blues will look to reset and hit the ground running in 2025.