Harris Andrews admits he can be mendacity if he mentioned he nonetheless would not take into consideration what may have been.
The Brisbane Lions regarded set to pinch their first AFL premiership in 20 years when a Charlie Cameron purpose put them in entrance with 5 minutes remaining within the 2023 decider in opposition to Collingwood.
But a collection of moments, which have been closely analysed within the 5 months since, noticed the Magpies seize again the lead, then dangle on in probably the greatest grand finals in VFL/AFL historical past.
Rather than draw back from the ache of defeat, the Lions reviewed the 2023 decider – the Lions’ first look in a grand closing since 2004 – in-depth earlier than going into their low season break.
After being concerned in grand closing defeats at Melbourne (2000) and Hawthorn (2012), in addition to watching how different golf equipment dealt with heartbreaking losses from afar, Lions coach Chris Fagan knew the one method to transfer ahead was to instantly deal with the heartbreak.
“The way we reviewed the game, and the year, was probably a little bit different,” Andrews, the Lions’ star defender and co-captain, instructed AAP.
“We reviewed the game and some of the things, those moments, we wish we could have taken back.
“Guys had been actually sincere and up-front about that.
“It’s good to hit that on the head, and that way you then walk into the off-season without carrying a little bit of baggage.
“I imply, you would be naive to assume you do not give it some thought now and again.
“But I thought we did a really good job of identifying that and then also just reflecting on the whole year in general.”
Andrews insists the Lions had been capable of separate falling 4 factors quick on grand closing day, and as a substitute may rejoice what the group achieved final 12 months.
Brisbane have additionally performed prior to now 5 finals collection following years of gloom between 2010 and 2018.
“The disappointment of losing a grand final, you could probably look at the whole year and call it a disaster (because they didn’t win the premiership), but we were able to identify that, yes, it was a disappointing game, but it was also a great year at the same time,” Andrews mentioned.
Defence, as soon as the Lions’ achilles heel, has been boosted by the recruitment of Tom Doedee from Adelaide.
Doedee is making his means again from a critical knee harm, however may debut for the Lions as quickly as spherical three, a grand-final rematch on the Gabba in opposition to the Magpies.
“I’ve really admired his game from a distance in the past,” Andrews mentioned of Doedee.
“He’s just an overall great fella to have around the club, brings really good vibes and good energy, so I’m really pumped for him and the opportunity he’s got.”
Brisbane open their 2024 season in opposition to final 12 months’s shock packets Carlton on the Gabba on March 8.
The Lions shall be hoping to repeat the results of final 12 months’s preliminary closing on the similar venue, after they held off the gallant Blues by 16 factors.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
