Keidean Coleman needs to show the Brisbane Lions’ defence into assault.
The 23-year-old has made a house for himself within the aspect’s new-look again six that now consists of speedy pair Conor McKenna and Darcy Wilmot.
Their slingshot methodology was in full stream in a win over Richmond final week which Coleman thinks “proved a point”.
Their third-straight spectacular victory got here after a second of introspection that could possibly be the turning level of the Lions’ (11-4, third) season.
“We didn’t want that game to happen, but it happened,” the Katherine product advised AAP of their shock loss to Hawthorn a month in the past.
“We had a pretty good, hard review on it … especially our defensive side.
“It was poor; I do not forget that Monday, we touched on what must occur any longer.
“We needed to start performing if we want to go far into September.”
Veteran backman Daniel Rich hasn’t performed since then, slotted right into a coaching block with out-of-form ahead Jack Gunston after a heart-to-heart with coach Chris Fagan.
Coleman, who started his Lions profession within the forwards, has been one of many membership’s most enjoyable prospects within the backline during the last two seasons.
But he has felt the strain since Rich’s demotion and says his halfback clique are taking part in with the previous All-Australian in thoughts.
“He’s a wonderful player and it’s pretty selfless to put his hand up,” Coleman mentioned of Rich.
“Me personally, I know I’ve got to start performing because I’m not a walk-up (start); me, Darcy, Conor, want to keep playing well.
“As quickly as we flip the ball over, it is about simply having the ability to go.
“We want to challenge them.”
Known as ‘Kiddy’, Coleman mentioned he by no means noticed himself as a defender.
“In juniors I played in the midfield and realised I didn’t have the tank, and in under-17s I played a bit of defence but wasn’t really taking it seriously until a couple of years ago,” he mentioned.
Academy product Coleman dominated in an undefeated NEAFL season with Brisbane to earn his AFL begin as a pinch-hitting small-forward.
“I was pretty good on offence but wanted to work on defence and last year I had a good, hard look at myself,” he mentioned.
“And I ended up having a pretty good year, but I’m trying to be more consistent now.
“We (he, Wilmot and McKenna) all convey nice strengths to the aspect and if we try this every little thing takes care of itself.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
