Ruby Svarc has kicked a goal-of-the-season contender as Brisbane maintained top spot on the AFLW ladder with a tense seven-point victory over North Melbourne.
The Kangaroos only had themselves to blame for wayward goal-kicking at Arden Street on Saturday as the Lions prevailed, 5.3 (33) to 3.8 (26).
The home side didn't lack opportunities, dominating the inside-50 count (43-23).
But their inaccuracy proved costly, with dangerous forward Tahlia Randall squandering a string of good chances as she finished with 0.3 from four shots.
Ally Anderson (22 disposals) continued her outstanding season for Brisbane, while Natalie Grida and Tahlia Hickie stood tall in defence when it mattered.
Lions coach Craig Starcevich conceded it was "a little bit unjust" that his side hung on against the balance of play.
"It was a gritty win. It wasn't one of our better performances," Starcevich told reporters.
"The opposition were pretty good in a lot of areas, particularly their best five (players) out there - they were awesome.
"It's handy when you can take a win in a game where you haven't actually played too well.
"That's one of the best oppositions we've played and for us to have our noses in front at the end is sort of a little bit unjust really for what happened today."
Ash Riddell (23 disposals), Jasmine Garner (20) and Emma Kearney (19) all won plenty of the ball for North Melbourne, with Randall and Emma King (one goal) threatening in attack.
"Everyone's pretty devastated with that loss," Kangaroos coach Darren Crocker said.
"We felt as a team we went in with a plan and the areas that we wanted to control, we controlled for large portions of the game.
"To not come away with the four points is pretty disappointing for everyone."
Svarc's brilliant goal was the highlight of a gripping tussle and came towards the end of a tight first half.
The midfielder burst away from a pack at half-back and had two bounces before handpassing to teammate Greta Bodey, who side-stepped an opponent and kicked long to space deep in attack.
Kangaroos defender Sarah Wright gathered the loose ball but was caught holding-the-ball by Svarc, who had kept running.
Svarc completed the move with a calm set shot from a tight angle.
Further goals to Dakota Davidson and Bodey soon after halftime gave Brisbane a handy 15-point buffer as the visitors ramped up their pressure around the ball.
The Lions didn't score in the final term but held onto their advantage, keeping their opponents goalless.
The result set up a huge top-of-the-table clash between Brisbane and second-placed Adelaide in round eight, while the Kangaroos travel to take on expansion side Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.
