Jaspa Fletcher took himself to uncomfortable locations within the AFL low season with the Brisbane Lions’ four-point grand-final loss to Collingwood firmly in thoughts.
And the second-year wing has taken notes on his extra seasoned Magpies opposites as he appears to be like for methods to flip the script in 2024.
The father-son decide and his Lions teammates will get their first probability in an Easter Thursday conflict with the premiers on the Gabba, the sport carrying additional weight given either side’ winless seasons.
“It was a pretty special day for a 19-year-old to be a part of,” Fletcher mused of the Lions’ 2023 flag close to miss.
“All of the pre-season it was in the back of my mind, to go one better.
“Training was a bit more durable; you make your self really feel uncomfortable so when these conditions do come alongside you are feeling rather more ready to take it on.”
Magpies wingers Josh Daicos and Steele Sidebottom played pivotal roles in the see-sawing contest and Fletcher has studied the tape.
“Collingwood’s checklist, its fairly stacked all around the floor,” Fletcher stated.
“I do my assessment and see what they love to do and the way they prefer to play and discover methods to close that down and do my function to assist the crew win.”
Sidebottom won’t play on Thursday, the veteran managed and speedy Oleg Markov has been dropped with John Noble and William Hoskin-Elliott into the side that’s started 0-3.
Darcy Gardiner and Jarryd Lyons have been dropped while Conor McKenna (hamstring) is the other change for Brisbane, who were set to debut Adelaide recruit Tom Doedee before the defender’s Tuesday knee injury.
Lachie Neale returns from injury for Brisbane while talls Jack Payne and Darcy Fort have been promoted.
North Melbourne were the most recent team to start with three straight defeats and win the premiership – in 1975 – and the last to start 0-3 and make a grand final, just a year later.
Geelong, the 2022 premiers, went 0-3 to begin their defence last season. They finished 12th.
Brisbane (0-2) had a bye last weekend and coach Chris Fagan said the club had used the extra time between games to lower their eyes.
“When Steve Smith goes into bat I’m tipping he isn’t interested by getting 100,” Fagan stated.
“I’m tipping he is interested by taking part in each ball on its deserves and dealing his manner there.
“We’ve played some exceptionally good football over the first two weeks, it’s not like we’ve just been bad all the time.
“We’ve had a little bit of a get up name … I’d be amazed if we’re not again within the second however whether or not that is adequate to win, who is aware of.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
