Dayne Zorko reckons Brisbane’s dedication to remain “brave and bold” is paying off after the Lions’ ruthless defeat of a plucky Port Adelaide shot them into an AFL preliminary closing.
The hosts have been challenged by the Power on the Gabba on Saturday, Port Adelaide rallying within the second and third phrases earlier than the Lions slammed the door shut to win 19.9 (123) to 11.9 (75).
Hugh McCluggage pulled the strings with 26 exact touches, 9 clearances, 4 rating assists and a objective, stepping up when Lachie Neale (19 disposals) was nicely held within the first half.
Joe Daniher (5 targets) enhanced his popularity with an imposing finals efficiency, as did Cam Rayner (three targets) throughout a superb first half.
Rookie Jaspa Fletcher (three targets) was among the many greatest whereas Darcy Wilmot (20 disposals) additionally confirmed confidence belying his 26 video games of expertise.
Victory was the Lions’ third from their final 4 finals video games and improved that document below coach Chris Fagan to 4-6, from 1-5 earlier than final yr’s post-season.
They’ll play the winners of Melbourne and Carlton on the Gabba in a fortnight for a spot of their first grand closing since 2004.
Former captain Zorko mentioned his facet had made a pact to again their model after “going into their shell” and permitting the Demons to storm residence for a one-point win two months in the past.
“That was really important for the growth of our team and we’ve taken steps forward since then,” he instructed AAP.
“We wanted to be bold and brave in everything we do.
“And since then we have been much more courageous, performed our means and that held us in good stead for the finals sequence.
“It was awesome tonight; it was exactly what we were after, playing the game, not the occasion.
“We’ve learnt rather a lot during the last 4 years (since returning to finals) and thought we put it on present.”
Coach Chris Fagan mentioned the facet’s capacity to “embrace failure” had helped them mature to this point.
“All these experiences simply harden you,” he mentioned.
“I’ve at all times felt we have step by step been getting higher and I sensed this yr we have taken one other little step.
“I don’t know if it’s a big enough step to say we’ll go the whole way, but we’re certainly better equipped to do that and take the opportunity that presents itself.
“We have one other closing to return, and we now have to have the ability to do it once more.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
