Incredible stat highlights finals dominance as Brisbane Lions cruise past Suns into prelims

Brisbane has booked their preliminary final spot, comfortably handling cross-town rivals Gold Coast at the Gabba.

After the Suns kicked the first two of the game and brought some energy early, the Lions took full control and strangled their opponents in the 14.16. (100) to 6.11. (47) win.

It was an impressive performance by Brisbane, without captain Lachie Neale, key forward Eric Hipwood and defenders Noah Answerth, Keidean Coleman and Jack Payne.

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Particularly when you consider how badly they were beaten by Geelong in the qualifying final. Their stars were clamped and picked apart by the Cats, leaving many doubting whether they could bounce back.

But this was the ultimate professional performance by a hardened finals team, up against one that has literally never been on this stage in the second week of finals.

After an even first quarter, the Lions kicked nine goals to two across the next two quarters to break the Suns and put the contest to bed.

"The Lions have dominated since the first five minutes, let's face it. They've been outstanding," Brisbane great Leigh Matthews told Fox Footy during the broadcast.

Hugh McCluggage led the way with 33 disposals, bouncing back hard from last week, while Will Ashcroft dominated with 28 and two goals.

Dayne Zorko was devastating off half back, finishing with 26 disposals, while Zac Bailey booted three and was dangerous inside 50.

For the Suns, Ben King kicked two early goals, but was then immediately shut down by Harris Andrews, who moved onto him and dominated the air from there.

Touk Miller, Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell were all prolific, but too much was left to too few.

Kai Lohmann surprised many, rocking up with his flowing blonde locks chopped and replaced with a buzz cut.

But he starred for the Lions, kicking three goals and setting up another. The haircut was clearly good luck.

Brisbane will now take on Collingwood next Saturday in a preliminary final clash between the last two premiers.

The winner will play either Geelong or Hawthorn, another mouth-watering match-up.

We will see the four teams that have featured in the most preliminary finals this century battle it out for supremacy.

Geelong (13), Collingwood (12), Hawthorn (11) and Brisbane (10) are the only teams to appear in double digit prelims since 2000.

These four preliminary finalists have also won 14 of the last 24 premierships. They have certainly been the big four of this century, with Sydney, West Coast and Richmond on the next rung below.