There will likely be no room for sentiment on Saturday when boyhood Collingwood fan Keidean Coleman makes an attempt to repeat his scorching preliminary kind to torment the Magpies and assist safe the Brisbane Lions their first AFL premiership in 20 years.
Half-back Coleman produced a best-on-ground efficiency within the Lions’ 16-point weekend win over Carlton on the Gabba.
His class and composure was essential for the Lions after Carlton kicked the sport’s first 5 targets to threaten an upset win.
“I do feel a bit anxious but … I do try to play composed,” 23-year-old Coleman stated.
“I don‘t try to rush myself, which is something I’ve grown up doing, especially during my junior career.
“I don’t really think about the game too much. I just back myself. I certainly know what I’m capable of, and I’m happy that it paid off the other night.”
And he’ll be even happier if the Lions beat the Magpies on Saturday on the MCG to assert the membership’s first flag since 2003.
That last was additionally in opposition to Collingwood, the crew Coleman grew up cheering for and the aspect he performed in opposition to – and beat – in his AFL debut for the Lions in September 2020.
“I still remember my debut game, running out against Scotty Pendlebury – it felt surreal,” he stated.
“It’s pretty ironic (that) I’m playing a ‘granny’ against a Collingwood team I grew up supporting.”
While Coleman will likely be one of many first names on Brisbane’s crew sheet this weekend, that wasn’t at all times the case with the Northern Territory product.
He was dropped to the substitute’s position within the Lions’ 98-73 spherical 13 loss to Hawthorn.
“I was second guessing myself,” stated Coleman, who was restored to Brisbane’s prime 22 for the next match.
“After that I just thought to myself to back myself. That’s when I play my best footy, when I’m just out there, playing freely and playing on instinct.
“I’m glad I’m back in the team.”
Coleman’s incisive kicking from the half-back line has fed the likes of key ahead Joe Daniher, who may even show important to the Lions’ hopes of beating Collingwood on Saturday.
“I‘m really enjoying my time here,” said former Essendon star Daniher, who is in his third season with the Lions.
“It‘s been a terrific move for me to come up here and I’ve actually loved the soccer membership and the folks inside it.”
Daniher paid particular credit score to Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, who was instrumental in luring the previous all-Australian consultant to Queensland.
“‘Fages’ is a terrific leader for the football club, not only a coach of the playing group but … he’s brought this club forward from a position which wasn‘t a great one,” the 29-year-old sharpshooter stated.
“He was able to really steady the ship for the football club and slowly build it.
“It’s taken time. It‘s taken a lot of good people, not only himself, but we find ourselves in a great position.
“I owe him a lot for putting the faith in me to come up here. I’m really pleased with that decision and how it’s played out
“I feel like I’ve found my position within the team, and contributing in the way that he wants me to.
“I’m hopeful that continues for one more game. I’m pleased with the opportunity but there is a lot of work to do before we get what we want.”
Originally revealed as Brisbane Lions defender Keidean Coleman hoping to repeat preliminary last heroics
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
