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The positives thread

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Obviously a small sample size as it is round 2, but a fun little article here: https://www.statsinsider.com.au/afl/afl-identity-check-hot-dogs-hot-pies-dons-swan-dive

The Lions continue to be the feel-good story of the 2019 season so far, perhaps not so much if you’re a Kangaroos supporter, but the good vibes are palpable and undeniable.

Two wins on the trot against two teams with winning records in 2018, along with two scores that smashed through the 100 point ceiling are at the core of the optimism.

Now, of course, when you win your first two games, posting such healthy scores, there’s a laundry list of positive statistics which your supporters can drool over in the afterglow of victory. The first thing that stands out for me is the spread of the contribution from an age, physical and 'perceived class' point of view.

Nine different players kicked goals in the opening round win, eleven in their round two victory over the Roos, while it seems that once again the Lions are posting their large totals without any significant contribution from their tall forwards. Their apparent emerging superstar Eric Hipwood has contributed just 1 of his team’s 31 goals over two weeks while having a minimal statistical imprint on either game.

Like Brisbane’s first up effort against the Eagles, they conceded the opening quarter only to dominate the last 3. Whether this speaks to the excellent adjustments made by Chris Fagan and his coaching staff, or perhaps a higher level of fitness than their opponents, what is undeniable is that success is being generated from their emerging midfield. Through two games they top the league in centre clearances which is leading to the Lions generating the second best inside 50 differential in the league.

Around the ground, their disposal efficiency is bettered only by the Magpies - which again speaks to the incredible +707 metres gained differential on their opponents.

Now, that +707m number is worth monitoring, as the best mark in this stat achieved by a team through the course of an entire season was Hawthorn’s 579 in 2015 - a season of course, where the Hawks added more silverware to an enviable collection.

Whether it’s a combination of the Lions being in the wilderness for so long, a pang at seeing list management done so right, or my own personal predilection for the actual city of Brisbane, it’d be a pretty cold person that's not enjoying the reemergence of the Lions.

Key points - we top the league in centre clearances (that's Neale and Lyons for you), have the second best disposal efficiency (seems hard to believe) and we have a huge metres gained differential compared to our opponents.
 
I'm very positive that we are in for a period of sustained competitiveness over the next decade + ah la Hawks, Swans, Cats of late.

Our off field group is looking 2nd to none, Fagan, Noble, Swan, Ambrogio, Conole, Anson, the media team, the medical/rehab team, welfare team headed by Crowell, we are in such a good place.

Premierships are so bloody hard to win but I'm supremely confident we will be putting ourselves in a position to be in contention regularly, 2-3 flags over the next 10-12 years is on the cards.
 

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Hugh a bit lucky this week IMO. Was ok but has played much better. I’d have had Robinson if a Lions wingman was to be selected.

Scored 60 fantasy points in the second half, almost saved my dream team young Hugh.

If they are noticing a somewhat poor game from him, then I think he has the media on his side for the award.


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Hugh a bit lucky this week IMO. Was ok but has played much better. I’d have had Robinson if a Lions wingman was to be selected.

Agreed, but loved his endeavour to keep fighting and ended up being huge in the last.
 

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