Brisbane has blasted its way into the AFL NAB Cup semi-finals with an upset 32-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome.

Robert Copeland was superb for Brisbane across half-back and young midfielder Michael Rischitelli also impressed in the 2.12.12 (102) to 2.7.10 (70) win.

Brisbane will meet the winner of Saturday night's Darwin game between Port Adelaide and Geelong in a semi-final, either at Telstra Dome or AAMI Stadium.

But there could be a costly aftermath to the win, with field umpire Brett Allen reporting Brisbane's Jamie Charman in the second term for striking Bulldogs defender Ryan Hargrave.

The Bulldogs were the strong favourites to account for the Lions, but Brisbane smashed them in the third term, kicking eight unanswered goals from nine minutes into the third term until 10 into the last.

Second-year Bulldog Shaun Higgins was a rare highlight for his team, kicking four goals.

Trailing by 10 points at half-time, the Bulldogs kicked the opening goal of the third term to close within three points.

The Lions then kicked five unanswered goals, including a super goal to Luke Power, for a decisive 35-point break at the final change.

They opened the last quarter with three more six-pointers to lead by 52, before the 'Dogs managed some consolation goals, including two super goals to Nathan Eagleton.

Earlier, Brisbane had been in trouble when the Bulldogs kicked the opening two goals of the second term for an 11-point lead.

But a super goal to Copeland and two more six-pointers put the Lions in control at the long break.

The Lions were impressive with their workrate, holding up the Bulldogs' strong running game and keeping the game tight.

Charman started the game as a key forward, instead of his usual role as a ruckman, and kicked a goal in the first term.

The two teams were missing several key players through injury.

At the start of the week, this was a much-anticipated game because ex-Lion Jason Akermanis was set to play his first match against his old club.

Akermanis had a very public and ugly bust-up last year with the Lions.

But he pulled out of the game with hamstring tightness and fans will have to wait at least until round 11 of the regular season for his first game against Brisbane.

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