Down by two goals after 10 minutes, the Lions replied with 35 unanswered points and eventually 10 of the game's remaining 11 goals to blow the Giants away in a 10.7 (67) to 3.2 (20) victory at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Midfield maestro Bates took over with a huge second term and finished the first half with 14 touches, four inside 50s and four clearances, while she snapped two quick goals early in the third as the floodgates began to open.
She finished with 20 touches but received support from Ally Anderson, who racked up 18.
Stung by a goalless opening term, Brisbane needed their stars to stand up and they got that from Orla O'Dwyer, who added a goal-assist to a long-bomb running goal as the Lions kicked three majors in eight minutes.
GWS duo Jess Doyle and Haneen Zreika kicked the game's opening two majors as the Giants cashed in on early dominance, while their backs stood up well under pressure to hit halftime still within 16 points, despite an 18-8 inside 50m tally.
But the onslaught continued and the Lions got to feast, a running effort from Jade Ellenger and a great snap from Zimmorlei Farquharson making the highlights reel with goals in the last term.
Tahlia Hickey also impressed in the ruck, with 34 hit-outs for the day.
The win put the Lions second on the ladder, behind only Geelong via percentage.
The Giants had controlled the game's early stages through their prime midfielders, Alyce Parker (27 disposals, one goal) and Chloe Dalton (19 disposals) racking ball up at will.
Making matters worse, Giants defender Pepa Randall went down with a knee injury in the second term after Lion Greta Bodey landed on her and added insult to injury by kicking an impressive goal while she was in the hands of the trainers.
Randall didn't return after halftime.
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