- Aug 17, 2012
- 13,592
- 20,072
- AFL Club
- Brisbane Lions
We have somehow made it to the final round of the AFL season. Amid a season full of last minute changes, clubs flying in and out on game day, and a few shuffles in between rounds, we have hopefully made it to another finals, where we will be hoping to finish in the top 4. Looking ahead to this final weekend of home & away, it promises to be an exciting & curious finish to the season, where the ladder position for up to 8 teams can be decided in 72 hours. Looking ahead to our opposition for the weekend; the best from the West (until last weekend when they decided to lose to their cross town rivals)
It’s been a very topsy turvy year for the Eagles, the media have been on Simpson’s case regarding his team’s inability to turn up to games, resulting in some pretty massive smashings, especially away from home. After a competitive effort against Melbourne & Saints, the rest of the results recently have been very underwhelming for them. Losing to Collingwood,North & Fremantle in the last few weeks just shows the mental fragility of the team.
Last time they met: Round 3, 2020 @ Gabba
Brisbane defeated West Coast 10.14 (74) to 6.8 (44)
It’s hard to believe we haven’t played them since that return to football in QLD, on a wet night and Berry was at his roving best. Here’s a summary of how the evening went. (Hint: went very well for the Lions)
After a low-scoring first half, the Lions exploded in the third term with five goals to blow the game open. Despite the pre-match withdrawal of Dayne Zorko, the Lions' midfield didn't miss a beat with Lachie Neale (32 disposals and two goals), Hugh McCluggage (26), Jarryd Lyons (25) and Jarrod Berry (three goals) all racking up big numbers. West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui was the most influential player on the ground in the first half and Andrew Gaff had the bill on a string, but the rest of the star-studded midfield was largely anonymous.
Let’s look at each team’s forward, midfield and defence groups to compare where they are at.
Forward line
Our forward line has worked surprisingly well, even with the loss of Hipwood & Rayner. We are the highest scoring team in the entire AFL, even with our supposed inaccuracies earlier in the season. Thankfully, the forward line & midfielders have all stepped up in key moments in the last few weeks and brought us home. Our very own X-factor in Cameron has been in excellent form the last few weeks. Supporters at the Gabba always have a sense of excitement every time the ball went near him and it's not surprising to see why. He’s smart, agile, quick and very hard to match up on. I’m however expecting his sidekick in McCarthy to have a big game this weekend.
For us to dominate this facet of the game, the midfield will have to lower their eyes and look for smart options. Simply kicking it long to an outnumbered contest won’t do any good for both our tall forwards and small forwards, as they have McGovern & Barrass. It was great to see the midfielders last week pushing up to apply pressure, but this week we are coming up against a team of experienced players, rather than Collingwood’s kids. They'll have their work cut out to maintain forward pressure and be able to force a few goals through forward pressure and keeping it in the forward 50. Our forward line has been great since the game against Hawthorn. Our tall forwards/resting ruckman creating a contest, and bringing it to ground for our smalls to capitalise on our chances. McStay has been playing like a man possessed, taking on Hipwood’s role very well and having a career best season. Presenting well, crashing packs & kicking truly. On his opposite spectrum, we have Daniher who is a spark of mystery. We never know what he might produce, but has been a great pickup for us. McGovern is a gun defender, we might have to put someone on him closely to curtail his influence and prevent his intercept marks. Alex Witherden will be playing his first game against the Lions, I’m sure there will be some words exchanged at some point, but there will be some nerves for sure. Best part of this is that there is genuine respect and love between the current Lions boys and Witho so don't expect hostilities like below. Best part is thatthug Lynch will not be featuring in finals this year.
Key match up: Daniher v McGovern
Mature forward against a senior gun defender. Will be a tantalising prospect at the glimpse of the surprise package vs the veteran.
Midfield
West Coast midfield;
When you see the names listed in the midfield, it is a bizarre reason why they might not make finals this season.
Kelly, Shuey, Gaff, Redden, Natanui, Yeo
That’s a pretty stacked midfield and we’ll have to see how they turn up this weekend. It will be a late afternoon game, and there is history of the Eagles players not liking dew/wet footy. Maybe this weekend is the one time where they might throw out a hail mary and decide to give it 110%.
Natanui has troubled the Lions prior to 2020, and is one to watch out for given his AA season. Oscar & Fullarton might be a good option to take him on the wing, although may be slightly too short in aerial contests.
As for the Lions, Zorko and Lyons are leading the way so far in 2020 but are well supported by the rotating brigade of youngsters that are showing why we rated them so highly. Whenever McCluggage has the ball, you can just feel the game slow down as he looks to have so much time. Usually makes the right decision and generates plays from a stoppage situation. Berry is someone I'm tipping for a big one this weekend.Has been a bit quiet this year, compared to last year due to his injury setbacks, but you cannot question his endeavour. He cracks in, week in week out to make sure the opponent sweats whenever he's around. With Rich, he possibly having his best year for the club and is really shining in the backline with his toughness and physical presence, not to mention his decision making.
We had a glimpse of Fullarton & Oscar duoing together, and it took a while for the midfielders to start taking advantage of their tapwork. These days, games are won and lost in the midfield. On paper, it’s a mouth watering prospect to see 2 exciting midfield groups go head to head. The added extra of the history and passion between these teams complements the fixture very nicely. Expect a high scoring game with a couple of talented midfielders, one a bit more consistent, while the other is a side of potential A graders who for whatever reason, just haven’t clicked. Regardless I'm expecting a fiery match up from the first bounce. The spread of contested ball winners on Saturday was very encouraging, hoping to see the same effort and intensity for our supporters and members in Queensland, and to hopefully have a nice victory with no injuries to either side. We can’t be satisfied with just winning 1 finals game like last year, we want to make sure we make the most of every opportunity. Eagles on the other hand will be desperate to show some fight, they have nothing to lose, perhaps even play for a finals spot if other results go their way.
Key match up:
Yeo v Neale
Two gun midfielders, in the top 20 of all midfielders in the league currently. While we may not see them go head to head, this battle will be fascinating to watch.
Defence
In my opinion, it is our shakiest, but it is getting some reinforcements at the right time. Adams is tipped to join back the senior team, with Gardiner getting another game under his belt after his shoulder injury. Last week against Collingwood, it looked like we were getting destroyed by silly turnovers close to our D50 which is impossible to defend. As soon as we were able to clean this up, our game looked a lot better. Birchall and Rich proved that their experience and leadership shone through, with pin point accuracy and sharp kicks to cut through the defensive press. Lester & Starcevich are good supporting acts, with the latter bursting through packs and intercept marking on a few occasions. Reminded me of Elliot Yeo with his running style & attack on the footy. We have shown that we are quite vulnerable to quick handball chains, and Eagles do like to play that game style. When they’re on, they were quite efficient in moving their ball forward, but the Lions defence group as a collective seem to have picked up their pressure. Last 2 occasions, Eagles have really lost the game on pressure, both in 2020 and 2019. It’s a shame we don’t play them more often.
In terms of match ups, I would expect Andrews to take Kennedy and Adams to take Darling. Eagles are very vulnerable through repeat stoppages & forward entries, but we cannot allow the loose ball out the back as they will score easily due to their elite forwards like Ryan & Cripps. Lester has been Mr Reliable for a while now, and I’ve always been a fan of him, and glad to see him enjoying some success at the later parts of his career.
Key match up: Starcevich v Ryan
This clash looms as an exciting duel between two of the game's best young talents.
So, what now?
For us to win, we have to have a positive mindset from the get-go and can’t afford to take time to adjust to the finals mindset. If we let Eagles pile on a few goals, their tails will be up and we’ll be playing a chasing game all evening. This is something we haven’t been great at all year, and it’s a dangerous time to be dropping off on intensity and pressure. Lions have looked threatening and dangerous when they’re willing to support each other, get numbers around the ball and attack the corridor. Our defence has to stand up strong and look for targets instead of hacking the ball out of the area temporarily. One thing I've noticed compared to previous years is that the defenders are taking their time to make the right decision rather than giving it off straight away. The added composure of Lester, Starcevich and Coleman to a degree has really helped the team. The defensive running has also looked like it was back against the Magpies last week.
This game is going to require a team effort. This year, there's been a breath of fresh air in the way that the Lions have been playing footy. We look re-engergised and are willing to take the game on when required, but also able to slow it down on our terms and protect the lead. If we take it seriously and are focused to head into the (pre-finals bye) full of confidence, the Lions should be able to cover them. We're going to have to work bloody hard if we want this win, as the record against them in recent years has been good, but Eagles have a tendency to bring out a performance when no one expects them to. We’ve certainly had some memorable games against them in the past, such as below.
The usual faithful will show up in droves at the Gabba, expecting the Lions fans to make more noise than the Eagles fans, who are probably praying that the season is over and they can join Willi at Darwin Airport with some sweet Mary Jane. They have a good supporter base in Queensland, but not with the same level as Collingwood, Richmond and Geelong. With expectations looming on the young Lions, let's hope it doesn't distract the team, and that we are still committed to finishing off a year of hard work. We have pride, and we are the pride of Brisbane town. Let's hear the song once more this season, as we march towards a 3rd consecutive finals appearance.
Prediction: Lions by 41 points.
It’s been a very topsy turvy year for the Eagles, the media have been on Simpson’s case regarding his team’s inability to turn up to games, resulting in some pretty massive smashings, especially away from home. After a competitive effort against Melbourne & Saints, the rest of the results recently have been very underwhelming for them. Losing to Collingwood,North & Fremantle in the last few weeks just shows the mental fragility of the team.
Last time they met: Round 3, 2020 @ Gabba
Brisbane defeated West Coast 10.14 (74) to 6.8 (44)
It’s hard to believe we haven’t played them since that return to football in QLD, on a wet night and Berry was at his roving best. Here’s a summary of how the evening went. (Hint: went very well for the Lions)
After a low-scoring first half, the Lions exploded in the third term with five goals to blow the game open. Despite the pre-match withdrawal of Dayne Zorko, the Lions' midfield didn't miss a beat with Lachie Neale (32 disposals and two goals), Hugh McCluggage (26), Jarryd Lyons (25) and Jarrod Berry (three goals) all racking up big numbers. West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui was the most influential player on the ground in the first half and Andrew Gaff had the bill on a string, but the rest of the star-studded midfield was largely anonymous.
Let’s look at each team’s forward, midfield and defence groups to compare where they are at.
Forward line
Our forward line has worked surprisingly well, even with the loss of Hipwood & Rayner. We are the highest scoring team in the entire AFL, even with our supposed inaccuracies earlier in the season. Thankfully, the forward line & midfielders have all stepped up in key moments in the last few weeks and brought us home. Our very own X-factor in Cameron has been in excellent form the last few weeks. Supporters at the Gabba always have a sense of excitement every time the ball went near him and it's not surprising to see why. He’s smart, agile, quick and very hard to match up on. I’m however expecting his sidekick in McCarthy to have a big game this weekend.
For us to dominate this facet of the game, the midfield will have to lower their eyes and look for smart options. Simply kicking it long to an outnumbered contest won’t do any good for both our tall forwards and small forwards, as they have McGovern & Barrass. It was great to see the midfielders last week pushing up to apply pressure, but this week we are coming up against a team of experienced players, rather than Collingwood’s kids. They'll have their work cut out to maintain forward pressure and be able to force a few goals through forward pressure and keeping it in the forward 50. Our forward line has been great since the game against Hawthorn. Our tall forwards/resting ruckman creating a contest, and bringing it to ground for our smalls to capitalise on our chances. McStay has been playing like a man possessed, taking on Hipwood’s role very well and having a career best season. Presenting well, crashing packs & kicking truly. On his opposite spectrum, we have Daniher who is a spark of mystery. We never know what he might produce, but has been a great pickup for us. McGovern is a gun defender, we might have to put someone on him closely to curtail his influence and prevent his intercept marks. Alex Witherden will be playing his first game against the Lions, I’m sure there will be some words exchanged at some point, but there will be some nerves for sure. Best part of this is that there is genuine respect and love between the current Lions boys and Witho so don't expect hostilities like below. Best part is that
Key match up: Daniher v McGovern
Mature forward against a senior gun defender. Will be a tantalising prospect at the glimpse of the surprise package vs the veteran.
Midfield
West Coast midfield;
When you see the names listed in the midfield, it is a bizarre reason why they might not make finals this season.
Kelly, Shuey, Gaff, Redden, Natanui, Yeo
That’s a pretty stacked midfield and we’ll have to see how they turn up this weekend. It will be a late afternoon game, and there is history of the Eagles players not liking dew/wet footy. Maybe this weekend is the one time where they might throw out a hail mary and decide to give it 110%.
Natanui has troubled the Lions prior to 2020, and is one to watch out for given his AA season. Oscar & Fullarton might be a good option to take him on the wing, although may be slightly too short in aerial contests.
As for the Lions, Zorko and Lyons are leading the way so far in 2020 but are well supported by the rotating brigade of youngsters that are showing why we rated them so highly. Whenever McCluggage has the ball, you can just feel the game slow down as he looks to have so much time. Usually makes the right decision and generates plays from a stoppage situation. Berry is someone I'm tipping for a big one this weekend.Has been a bit quiet this year, compared to last year due to his injury setbacks, but you cannot question his endeavour. He cracks in, week in week out to make sure the opponent sweats whenever he's around. With Rich, he possibly having his best year for the club and is really shining in the backline with his toughness and physical presence, not to mention his decision making.
We had a glimpse of Fullarton & Oscar duoing together, and it took a while for the midfielders to start taking advantage of their tapwork. These days, games are won and lost in the midfield. On paper, it’s a mouth watering prospect to see 2 exciting midfield groups go head to head. The added extra of the history and passion between these teams complements the fixture very nicely. Expect a high scoring game with a couple of talented midfielders, one a bit more consistent, while the other is a side of potential A graders who for whatever reason, just haven’t clicked. Regardless I'm expecting a fiery match up from the first bounce. The spread of contested ball winners on Saturday was very encouraging, hoping to see the same effort and intensity for our supporters and members in Queensland, and to hopefully have a nice victory with no injuries to either side. We can’t be satisfied with just winning 1 finals game like last year, we want to make sure we make the most of every opportunity. Eagles on the other hand will be desperate to show some fight, they have nothing to lose, perhaps even play for a finals spot if other results go their way.
Key match up:
Yeo v Neale
Two gun midfielders, in the top 20 of all midfielders in the league currently. While we may not see them go head to head, this battle will be fascinating to watch.
Defence
In my opinion, it is our shakiest, but it is getting some reinforcements at the right time. Adams is tipped to join back the senior team, with Gardiner getting another game under his belt after his shoulder injury. Last week against Collingwood, it looked like we were getting destroyed by silly turnovers close to our D50 which is impossible to defend. As soon as we were able to clean this up, our game looked a lot better. Birchall and Rich proved that their experience and leadership shone through, with pin point accuracy and sharp kicks to cut through the defensive press. Lester & Starcevich are good supporting acts, with the latter bursting through packs and intercept marking on a few occasions. Reminded me of Elliot Yeo with his running style & attack on the footy. We have shown that we are quite vulnerable to quick handball chains, and Eagles do like to play that game style. When they’re on, they were quite efficient in moving their ball forward, but the Lions defence group as a collective seem to have picked up their pressure. Last 2 occasions, Eagles have really lost the game on pressure, both in 2020 and 2019. It’s a shame we don’t play them more often.
In terms of match ups, I would expect Andrews to take Kennedy and Adams to take Darling. Eagles are very vulnerable through repeat stoppages & forward entries, but we cannot allow the loose ball out the back as they will score easily due to their elite forwards like Ryan & Cripps. Lester has been Mr Reliable for a while now, and I’ve always been a fan of him, and glad to see him enjoying some success at the later parts of his career.
Key match up: Starcevich v Ryan
This clash looms as an exciting duel between two of the game's best young talents.
So, what now?
For us to win, we have to have a positive mindset from the get-go and can’t afford to take time to adjust to the finals mindset. If we let Eagles pile on a few goals, their tails will be up and we’ll be playing a chasing game all evening. This is something we haven’t been great at all year, and it’s a dangerous time to be dropping off on intensity and pressure. Lions have looked threatening and dangerous when they’re willing to support each other, get numbers around the ball and attack the corridor. Our defence has to stand up strong and look for targets instead of hacking the ball out of the area temporarily. One thing I've noticed compared to previous years is that the defenders are taking their time to make the right decision rather than giving it off straight away. The added composure of Lester, Starcevich and Coleman to a degree has really helped the team. The defensive running has also looked like it was back against the Magpies last week.
This game is going to require a team effort. This year, there's been a breath of fresh air in the way that the Lions have been playing footy. We look re-engergised and are willing to take the game on when required, but also able to slow it down on our terms and protect the lead. If we take it seriously and are focused to head into the (pre-finals bye) full of confidence, the Lions should be able to cover them. We're going to have to work bloody hard if we want this win, as the record against them in recent years has been good, but Eagles have a tendency to bring out a performance when no one expects them to. We’ve certainly had some memorable games against them in the past, such as below.
The usual faithful will show up in droves at the Gabba, expecting the Lions fans to make more noise than the Eagles fans, who are probably praying that the season is over and they can join Willi at Darwin Airport with some sweet Mary Jane. They have a good supporter base in Queensland, but not with the same level as Collingwood, Richmond and Geelong. With expectations looming on the young Lions, let's hope it doesn't distract the team, and that we are still committed to finishing off a year of hard work. We have pride, and we are the pride of Brisbane town. Let's hear the song once more this season, as we march towards a 3rd consecutive finals appearance.
Prediction: Lions by 41 points.
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