Geelong coach Mark Thompson labelled defending AFL champions the Lions "vulnerable" for the 2003 finals after Brisbane survived a third quarter scare before running out 370-point winners at the Gabba.

The Lions finally dusted off the Cats and kept their final four hopes alive with their 19.8 (123) to 13.8 (86) victory.

They appeared headed for a runaway victory when they led the Cats by 48 points at halftime with Daniel Bradshaw, moved up forward, kicking four goals.

But the visitors came out swinging in the third quarter, landing three successive goals in the opening five minutes and kicking six of the seven landed in the first 15 minutes to pull the deficit back to 18 points at one stage.

Geelong crumber Steve Johnson ignited the comeback with three quick goals inside five minutes.

And when Kent Kingsley slammed home a monster 60m kick the Lions appeared more than a little rattled.

Johnson, finished with six goals, capping his best game in 26 matches for Geelong.

Thompson said the fact Brisbane let Geelong back into the contest showed the Lions may their upcoming AFL finals run ended prematurely.

"The Lions look a little vulnerable for the finals," Thompson said.

"In the last two years they were strong and difficult and put teams away.

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