All that speak in Brisbane Lions conferences is paying off, with coach Chris Fagan declaring their crew defence is the most effective it has been since he arrived on the AFL membership six years in the past.
The Lions have conceded simply 81, 56, 53 and 35 factors in four-straight wins since a shock loss to Hawthorn on the MCG, the place they return to face Melbourne on Friday evening.
That Hawks defeat sparked change for the premiership hopefuls, with veteran defender Daniel Rich dropped and but to return to a Lions’ again six that possesses tempo, agility and loads of aptitude.
Fagan has credited Brisbane’s crew defence for the spurt of kind that is delivered confidence they will snap a run of 12-straight regular-season losses on the MCG.
“Our team defence has probably been the best it’s ever been and it’ll need to be again,” the coach stated.
“That was a major weakness against Hawthorn there five weeks ago.
“If we try this nicely, our offence tends to deal with itself.
“If you come to our team meetings, it’s all we talk about.”
Brisbane beat Melbourne on the Gabba earlier this season, the hosts main comfortably earlier than a blackout plunged the venue into darkness.
Max Gawn was an early casualty in that sport, with Brodie Grundy tasked with the first ruck duties in his absence.
The Demons have dropped Grundy from the aspect to face Brisbane, whereas Clayton Oliver stays sidelined.
The absence of Josh Dunkley (calf) for Brisbane successfully cancels that out, with the Lions welcoming Jarrod Berry and Lincoln McCarthy again into the aspect that crushed West Coast final Saturday.
Fagan stated his aspect would be careful for Christian Petracca roaming ahead like he did in a defeat of St Kilda final week, however that the conflict could be received within the center.
“The game against Melbourne is always around the contested ball and who can win territory,” Fagan stated.
“That’s the way the games have swung over the past year or so when we’ve played them.
“We must do nicely in and across the ball to present ourselves the most effective probability.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
