Our Key Problem Areas

[Last of the Roys]

Brisbane Lions supporters couldn’t really have asked for more than what the Lions achieved in 2009: making the finals for the first time in 5 years, a fantastic win in the elimination final that was one of the best in the Club’s history, and finishing 6th overall. We have a heap of good young players and we could very well be premiership contenders in 2-4 years. But we also have at least 5 key problem areas, which the final against the Bulldogs highlighted perfectly (although I must say we were extremely unlucky against them – shots for goal, the bounce of the ball, and umpiring clangers at crucial times meant the score-line flattered the Bulldogs – although they were no doubt the better team).



I think our 5 key problem areas that we must work on are:

1. Clearances – when Black doesn’t get them the Lions struggle. It is as simple as that. We need to develop a host of players that can go into the centre and win clearances there and around the ground. I think we need to concentrate on using Brennan with Black a fair bit of the time and also rotate in Power, Rich, Sherman, Polkinghorne, Johnstone and Harding.
2. Skills – we are definitely some way off in terms of the kicking and handballing skills of around ¾ of our list in comparison to the top sides.
3. Speed – we lack the speed that is increasingly necessary in the modern game. All over the ground our players are usually giving up pace to their opponent.
4. Endurance – whilst we have shown an ability to fight out games, we don’t have the ability to play the brand of football increasingly played by the best sides over entire matches. That is, we struggle to get numbers up and back and around the ball consistently across the entire game – the Bulldogs, St.Kilda, Adelaide, Collingwood, and Geelong all do that extremely well.
5. Crumbing / small forwards – since Craig McRae retired we have basically never had consistent crumbing / small forwards. Whilst I think Hooper should be able to play that role, someone needs to teach him how to do it properly. Luckily the indications are that McRae is coming back to Brisbane to be an assistant, so that should help. But we still need to find a few other small forward alternatives.

This is similar to what struck me as our problems after the Collingwood game at the 'G earlier in the season except that I have added the crumbing / small forward issue (which has been around for years).

 

[POBT]

I actually have remarked to people that our fitness is probably our strongest suit and would be as good as the top sides. We just have to work harder because (1) we don't win the ball as often and so work harder defensively than the best sides; and (2) our skills aren't great, meaning that we don't get the same "cheap' possessions as the best sides. I'd therefore disagree with number 4.

On items 1-3, the unfortunate thing is that they are probably the keys to being successful in modern footy. That we've finished 6th is probably a credit to our strengths but we do need to step up in those areas, particularly in (1) and (2).

 

[3KZ is Football]

Perhaps it is not about endurance, but I think Last of the Roys is onto something and it is to do with running.

One thing I have noticed over the last few years is the degree to which we have dropped off running to present options, particularly when the ball is across our half back line. I noticed Brennan put in a great run in the last minutes of the final against Carlton to present as a marking option and it really stood out. We may well have great endurance, but on too many occasions our side looks static. Players like Sherman and McGrath will bust the lines with their run, but that sort of running effort is not what I am talking about. If we have an endurance edge on sides, it is important that we utilize it, running and making opposing players chase us, thereby exposing them and giving us what will translate on many occasions as a match winning advantage.

Go Lions!

 

[Schache It Off]

Have we ever won a game when Black has not fired?

The first game of this season comes to mind (Round 1 2009) When Black missed out on a broken hand, but it wasn't a very convincing win

Any other games where Black didn't seem to fire but the results still turned in our way?

 

[Roger The Sheep]

Blacky was a late withdrawal and missed the Brown-led Carlton massacre of 2007 (even though Hammo reckoned he'd get 2 Brownlow votes for his effort that day ).

 

[Zacisonfire]

Its hard to pick who we rely on more Black or Brown. I'm expecting big things from Rich and Reddon next year so hopefully that will take some pressure off Black, but its hard to see where our goals are ganna come from next year besides Brownshaw, hopefully Brennan can spend more time up forward seeing he won't be required in the ruck and Sherman can continue this seasons goal kicking form... gee what would we give for a Milne or the like...

 

[Dylan12]

Not entirely sure where to post and was hardly worth starting a new thread, but on the AFL site, a writer has compiled a Lions End of Season Report, which was graded as a B+.

Link

 

[T Factor]

Clearances are our key problem and they have been for awhile, we are so lucky to have Blacky and lets hope he has a few more years left. When we are getting smashed (and we do get smashed) out of the middle it does make our defence look ordinary. When we get our hands on it we are dangerous with quick delivery to Brown and Bradshaw. Losing both ruckman early didnt help the situation and i am sure Mitch will do alot more pre season stoppage work. It will be hard to draft to cover this, what are the likely types up for tade? Would Harris be worth a look, we are not the fastest team but the one thing you can do is draft for pace not big midfielders (ok Rich excepted).

Great season by the Lions

 

[notting18]

Not entirely sure where to post and was hardly worth starting a new thread, but on the AFL site, a writer has compiled a Lions End of Season Report, which was graded as a B+.

Link

We generally get pretty crap media reports about the Lions. to the author of that season wrap who obviously watched some of our games and knows a bit about our side.