It’s unlikely Kobe Bryant knew he was inspiring Brisbane’s 2023 AFL premiership tilt when he ran straight via good pal and Spanish rival Pau Gasol on the 2008 Olympics.
That assertion set the tone for a US facet now known as the Redeem Team, who went on to win gold in China after a shock loss to Argentina 4 years earlier despatched this system spiralling.
Their dedication was constructed across the crew’s superstars shopping for into defence, somewhat than merely depend on their audacious offensive expertise.
Chris Fagan had his Lions watch the 2022 Redeem Team documentary within the pre-season, Bryant’s levelling of Gasol specifically resonating with the coach and his gamers.
“They’d (USA) lost their way, and all the big guns bought into defence, and they ended up winning the gold medal,” Fagan mentioned after a win over Geelong earlier this 12 months.
“It’s been a bit of a theme of ours during the year – if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.”
Brisbane beat the Cats that night time 9.10 (64) to 7.11 (53) after which gained video games regardless of mustering 77 and 72 factors within the closing month of the common season.
In it is easiest phrases – factors conceded – the Lions’ defence has enhance from the tenth greatest in 2022 to sixth this season, whereas small ahead Charlie Cameron has the second-most inside 50 tackles of the competitors with 42.
The recruitment of defensively-minded midfielder Josh Dunkley additionally helped make that group extra resilient whereas the refined shift of defence coach Murray Davis to the ahead line cannot be underestimated.
A 12 months in the past Brisbane entered an elimination closing with Richmond conscious a shoot-out would happen, the Lions ultimately prevailing because of a late Joe Daniher purpose in a sport that had 17 lead modifications.
Fast ahead to Saturday and Brisbane shall be assured they will grind out one other win on the Gabba, the place they have not misplaced all 12 months, towards Port Adelaide.
“It was reflective of our year a bit last year, up and down in the back half,” co-captain Lachie Neale mentioned.
“Sometimes we were really good defensively, other times poor.
“This 12 months we have been extra steady, and the sport plan’s primarily based on contest and defence and that ought to maintain us in good stead.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
