A dominant first half has helped Brisbane see off Adelaide by 37 points at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon.
But a Taylor Walker-inspired fightback got the Crows to within three goals before the Lions kicked away again in the final term to seal the 10.23 (82) to 7.4 (46) victory.
Aside from the third-quarter blip, the Lions were in complete control with only their inaccuracy in front of goal preventing a bigger percentage boost.
Lachie Neale, who shook off a hard tag to rack up 31 touches, and Hugh McCluggage incredibly combined for one goal and 11 behinds.
Despite the lack of goals, the duo were still the Lions' best, along with Jarryd Lyons, Jarrod Berry and Mitch Robinson.
Charlie Cameron was extremely lively with a Mark of the Year contender to go with his two goals, as well as missing a sitter from the top of the square.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks will be buoyed by the performance in the third quarter, but the effort in the first half where they kicked just two goals from nine inside 50s was symbolic of the Crows' season to date.
They remain rooted to the bottom of the ladder after four matches, although will get their best chance at a breakthrough victory next week against the winless Dockers, who will be without Nat Fyfe.
Lachie unlocks Keays tag
Brownlow Medal favourite Lachie Neale came into the game averaging 29 disposals and a goal, but wasn't afforded the same space early in Sunday's clash. Former teammate Ben Keays was given the tough job and wore Neale like a glove from the outset. Keays had six tackles in the first term and appeared to have the better of his opponent. But Neale gradually worked his way back into the match to finish with 31 touches, eight marks and six behinds.
Tex sparks Crow comeback
Former skipper Taylor Walker has had a tough start to the season and things didn't start well on Sunday when he required treatment to a cut under his eye after a nasty head clash in the first quarter. Walker had just four disposals in the first half, but it was hardly his fault with the Crows going inside 50 just nine times. The second half was a different story. The big Texan sparked a revival with two quick goals before setting up two others as the Crows booted the only four goals of the third term.
Charlie launches for a Mark of the Year contender
Brisbane livewire Charlie Cameron is the early frontrunner for the Mark of the Year after a massive grab in the final term. Cameron launched high over Adelaide ruckman Reilly O'Brien to reel in a cracking grab. It capped off a productive afternoon for the All Australian, who also booted two goals and produced a sublime bit of skill with a soccer kick off the ground to set up a Lions goal in the final term.
BRISBANE 3.3 7.10 7.15 10.23 (83)
ADELAIDE 1.0 2.0 6.3 7.4 (46)
GOALS
Brisbane: McCarthy 2, Cameron 2, McCluggage, McStay, Hipwood, Bailey, Rich, Ellis-Yolmen
Adelaide: Walker 2, Frampton 2, Jones, Crocker, Poholke
BEST
Brisbane: McCluggage, Neale, Berry, Lyons, Robinson, Lester
Adelaide: Walker, Crouch, Smith, Lynch, Poholke
INJURIES
Brisbane: Zorko (calf)
Adelaide: Hamill (concussion), Darcy Fogarty (shoulder) replaced in selected side by Elliott Himmelberg
