Resurgent Brisbane Lions targeting finals berth ahead of Port Adelaide clash - “We're going to have to attack”
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan is optimistic and said the Lions need to play “fearless” footy for the remainder of the season to get them to the finals. The first case of adherence to this instruction would be in the upcoming clash against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
For most of the season, the Lions have floundered in the bottom six, but Friday night’s win over the St Kilda Saints has the club’s finals hopes looking realistic again. With the club suddenly on a charge, coach Chris Fagan has implored his team to play fearlessly for what rounds are left of 2024.
In the post-game press conference, Fagan explained that although the Lions’ defence was weak, their journey to success would not be impeded by it, so long as they keep up their bold attacks. He said:
"At times tonight we were probably a bit too bold and fearless, but that's how I want us to play. If we're going to get back into the season, we're not going to do it by defending our way to it, we're going to have to attack, so that's what we'll keep doing."
Brisbane Lions v St Kilda Saints: Breakdown
The Brisbane Lions have won four of their past six matches and had a draw against Adelaide. The team looks well-equipped to embark on achieving their Finals goal.
In a press conference after the Lions’ win against the St Kilda Saints, Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan said:
“Our form has improved. We paid a price for a slow start - two wins and five losses after seven rounds. We're starting to correct that. It's a big game next weekend against Port Adelaide, over there. The ball's in our court. We are playing well at the moment."
In the game against the Brisbane Lions, St Kilda kicked their highest score of the season (106). Coach Ross Lyon was not impressed with his team's performance and criticised their lack of ball-in-hand endeavour. The Saints kicked a total of 16 goals in the game.
When asked about his team's attacking flair, Coach Lyon said:
"Oh yeah, I'm going to go and light a candle. It's fantastic. Get a birthday cake out and go, 'Yippee'. I don't want to be flippant. I've got all the Saints fans saying, 'That was good.'"
St Kilda speed utility Liam Henry left the field in the final minute with what looked to be an ankle injury, but Coach Lyon is optimistic that he would be okay.