For 17 straight games the Demons were untouchable on top of the VFL ladder. But a superb performance from second-placed Brisbane broke the streak as Casey fell for the first time at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.

Despite often responding to Brisbane’s challenges, the Lions spent most of the game in front and held firm to run out 10.11 (71) to 8.9 (57) winners.

After overcoming a dogged Carlton side last week, Casey quickly realised it was in for another tough fight against Brisbane in the final round of the home and away season.

The Demons’ forward line may have struggled compared to other weeks, but Jacob van Rooyen continued his shining debut campaign as he kicked four goals in another dynamic display.

The agile tall forward started off with a bang, taking a breathtaking hanger and converting to get the Demons on the board.

He then followed up late in the term with a classy crumb and dribble goal to have two majors at the first break, as Casey went in just three points behind a dominant Lions outfit.

James Jordon played his first VFL game for the season and was at his classy best, finishing with 26 disposals and controlling his wing.

On the opposite side of the centre square, Oskar Baker was also one of Casey’s best, as he amassed 21 touches, including 18 kicks.

The Demons showed their spirit in the second term, kicking three goals to remain level with the Lions.

Luke Dunstan’s clean touch in the middle came to the fore, as he burst through a pack early in the second term and finished a wonderful left foot snap goal to give the Demons the lead.

Oskar Baker then followed it up with a scrambled goal from the goal square, before van Rooyen capitalised on some spectacular team play between Sam Weideman and Baker to kick his third major.

The Lions stayed with Casey, as the sides went into the main break deadlocked at 35 apiece.

The home side put the foot down in the third term, kicking three goals to Casey’s one.

Brisbane got on top in the inside 50 count and won the territory battle, with Riley Baldi capping off a valiant effort in the middle with a goal to keep the Demons within striking distance.

Down by 14 points at the final break, Casey needed a spark if it was to complete an unbeaten home and away campaign.

Despite veterans like Matthew Buntine and captain Mitch White digging in their heels, the Lions looked set to run away with the match.

But a Kade Chandler mark and goal halfway through the final term got the Demons within 13 points, as a later van Rooyen goal (his fourth for the day) gave Casey every chance of snatching a win in the dying moments.

Yet the Lions weren’t to be perturbed as they steadied in the final 10 minutes to finish 14-point winners and ensure Casey had a clear challenger for the VFL flag ahead of this year’s finals series.

BRISBANE    3.2       5.5       8.8       10.11 (71)

CASEY          2.5       5.5       6.6       8.9 (57)

GOALS: van Rooyen 4, Dunstan, Baker, Chandler, Baldi

DISPOSALS: Jordon 26, Baker 21, Tomlinson 19, Buntine 18, McVee 17

BEST: Jordon, Baker, van Rooyen, White, Baldi, Ellison