CARLTON surrendered a nine-point quarter-time lead to an improving Brisbane Lions outfit to head into the major break down by seven points in the NAB Cup Grand Final at Telstra Dome.

The Lions lead the Blues 6.7 (43) to 1.4.3 (36) after piling on four consecutive goals in the second term.

Blues forward ace Brendon Fevola was well held in the first half, kicking justone goal in the game's opening minutes.

In a pulsating first quarter, Brisbane's Justin Sherman drew first bloodafter a searing run in the opening 30 seconds to score the Lions' firstgoal.

Fevola opened his account at the nine-minute mark and teammateBrad Fisher extended the Blues lead with two goals in two minutes - one froma Jared Brennan free that handed the Blues a nine-point supergoal.