They’ve won 14 of their past 18 games and have five victories on the trot against Collingwood, but doubts remain about the Brisbane Lions. Friday’s game against a weakened Collingwood should tell us more about their premiership credentials.
Perceptions in football can be hard to shift. Back in April, three games into the regular season, the Brisbane Lions looked shaky, losing two of their first three games and showing an odd lack of appetite for the contest against Port Adelaide in round one, which shocked even coach Chris Fagan at the time.
Most importantly, the Lions have improved their team defence, in no small part thanks to the recruitment of Josh Dunkley from the Western Bulldogs. Dunkley is an elite two-way runner who has offered cover for the Lions’ best player, Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale.With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Brisbane Lions loom as the giant X-factor of the looming finals series.
Recruit Josh Dunkley, defenders Jack Payne and Harris Andrews and Brownlow medallist and midfielder Lachie Neale have all helped Brisbane reach second spot on the ladder.The Lions’ home advantage at the Gabba in recent years has been as pronounced as any in football. Importantly, the Lions’ most recent victory at the venue was arguably a more significant breakthrough, when they came from behind to defeat Melbourne by 13 points in last year’s semi-final. That just might be a truer indication of their capability.Conversely, the Lions hold no fear on the slightly smaller dimensions of Marvel Stadium. Since the starting their rise up the ladder in 2019, they’ve won eight of 10 games at Docklands.
And back in round two, the Lions had Melbourne on toast until the lights went out with 12 minutes to go. A 40-point margin was whittled back to 11 by the final siren, causing more than a few jitters in the home crowd. Which brings us to another query: do the Lions struggle to close out games.In round 18, the Lions were all over the Dees again – this time at the MCG.
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