Brisbane Lions’ AFLW premiership defence is back on track after a 68-point thumping of Sydney in the penultimate home-and-away round.

A week after a surprise loss to Geelong, the Lions rebounded with a dominant 11.12 (78) to 1.4 (10) victory at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday.

The result all but locks in a top-four spot for Brisbane and ensures it remains in the top-two hunt ahead of a last-round clash with St Kilda.

Sydney is out of finals contention and suffered a sixth straight defeat.

You’ll hear our mighty ROAR! 🦁 #AFLWLionsSwans pic.twitter.com/JCIaHvpoLO

— Brisbane Lions AFLW (@lionsaflw) October 27, 2024

The Swans were held to their lowest score of the season as captain Bre Koenen led a resolute Brisbane defence.

Sophie Conway (25 touches, one goal), Ally Anderson (23) and Orla O’Dwyer (22) also shone for the Lions.

Team-leading goalkicker Taylor Smith finished with three majors from 15 disposals as Brisbane spread the scoring load in its biggest win of the year.

Laura Gardiner (26 disposals) and Ella Heads (19) fought hard for Sydney, which got off to a good start when Bella Smith kicked the first goal of the game.

But the Swans didn’t manage another major as the Lions took complete control, ahead at quarter-time through goals to Smith and Cathy Svarc.

The margin grew to 24 points by the main break, with the dominant yet inaccurate home side adding 2.6 to 0.0 for the second term.

Sydney’s day got worse when Giselle Davies went off with an ankle injury.

It was a similar story in the third quarter as Brisbane kicked 1.3 to 0.1, with the match well and truly in its keeping with a 32-point lead at the final change.

Smith and Isabel Dawes (22 disposals) added two goals each in the final term as the margin blew out.

There was late concern for the Lions when Shannon Campbell went off the ground after a knock to the ribs.

-AAP