Rampant reigning premiers Brisbane have heaped further pain on struggling Essendon, torching them by 64 points at Marvel Stadium.

Brisbane kicked away in the third quarter with seven goals to one to lead by 69 points at the final change, cruising to a 22.11 (143) to 11.13 (79) victory on Saturday.

The Lions pinpointed passes with ease, racking up an extraordinary 163 marks, and were never troubled after piling on six goals to one in the first term.

In-demand free agent Zac Bailey, Logan Morris and Kai Lohmann all booted four goals each, while dashing defender Darcy Wilmot was tremendous with 32 possessions and one long-range major.

A first-time All-Australian last year, Bailey backed up his outstanding performance against Adelaide last week as he weighs huge free-agency offers at season's end.

Teenage debutant Cody Curtin showed some promising signs as a key forward who can help out in the ruck, coming in for injured recruit Oscar Allen.

High-profile Essendon defender Ben McKay had another quiet outing after being heavily criticised for his performance on Anzac Day.

McKay received strong bronx cheers from the Bombers faithful every time he touched the ball in the second half.

Bombers midfielder Jye Caldwell was ruled out of the match in the third quarter with an ankle injury, while wingman Saad El-Hawli hurt his shoulder.

A rare positive for the Bombers was the return of utility Nik Cox, who played his first game in 630 days following a run with concussion issues.

Cox slotted a goal late in the final quarter and was mobbed by all of his teammates on the ground.

Emerging forward Nate Caddy could have had a career-best day if he kicked straight, finishing with 3.5 against the first-class Lions defence.

After moving to 5-3, the Lions will host Carlton at the Gabba next Friday night.

Essendon (1-7) will travel to face GWS at Engie Stadium next Saturday.