The AFL premiership race was redefined as Brisbane claimed outright favouritism for a fourth successive flag, crushing Essendon by 66 points at the Telstra Dome.

Combined with the shock defeat of St Kilda a few hours earlier, the Lions dazzling form reaffirmed their status as the team to beat this season.

And despite the beating Essendon received, it remains one of the few teams that seems capable of stretching the team of the century so far.

Brisbane kicked 25.12 (162) to Essendon's 14.12 (96), the win keeping it in at least third place, and, depending on the Melbourne-Collingwood result on Monday, possibly lifting it to second.

The Lions laid the foundation for their victory in the second quarter which they began 13 points behind and finished 11 points ahead.

And if there was one player responsible for the turnaround it was full forward Daniel Bradshaw.

After a goalless first term in which his Essendon counterpart Matthew Lloyd kicked three, Bradshaw booted five goals for the term.

Two more to Anthony Corrie and one to Luke Power helped Brisbane to a 50-point quarter that understandably stunned Essendon.

When the Lions piled on another 48 points in the third term, the Bombers cause became desperate.

When Bradshaw kicked his seventh early in the final quarter, it became hopeless.

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