Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the Lions should enhance on their latest type – regardless of being in “good shape” – if they’re to beat Collingwood in Friday night time’s top-of-the-table AFL showdown at Marvel Stadium.
While the second-placed Lions can be chasing a hat-trick of wins and a fourth victory in 5 matches after they meet the competition-leading Magpies, Fagan needs extra from Brisbane.
The Lions’ previous three wins have all been by lower than 10 factors and all towards groups that aren’t within the high eight.
“I feel like the last few weeks we’ve played 65 to 70 per cent of the game where we’ve played really well, and we’ve just had some quiet patches,” Fagan stated.
“We just need a bit more consistency with what we’re doing across the four quarters, understanding though that in these games where teams are desperate, there are always momentum swings.
“It’s first versus second, two weeks before the finals – there’s a fair bit at stake.
“We’ve found a way to win the last couple of weeks, but obviously we need to improve our form … but we’re in good shape going into the game.”
The Lions have already cemented a top-four berth, however ought to they beat Collingwood for a second time this season it’s going to go a good distance in direction of securing a top-two spot, which is able to assure them two finals collection matches on the Gabba, the place they’re but to lose this season.
“It’s more important that you’re playing your best (going into the finals), but I’ve always said we want to finish as high as we can,” Fagan stated.
“It’s a great effort by the boys. It’s the fourth time in five years we’ve finished in the top four where you get the double chance. That’s the main priority at the start of the year.
“There’s a top-two spot up for grabs. If we can get it, we’re going to go after it.
“We’d be pretty keen to get it, but if we don’t, it won’t be the be all and end all either, which I’ve said many times.”
The Lions are anticipated to welcome again defender Keidean Coleman on Friday night time however can be with out skilled ahead Jack Gunston, who faces a battle to return earlier than the tip of the season after injuring his knee in Brisbane’s six-point win over Adelaide final Saturday on the Gabba.
“He’s in a brace at the moment … so he’s not only going to have to get out of that brace but start to train and start to move before we can consider him,” Fagan stated.
“With Jack, he’ll give himself every chance to be OK later on, once we get to finals.”
Originally printed as Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan requires enchancment from his facet forward of top-of-the-table battle with Collingwood
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
