If you’d asked me three months ago how the Brisbane Lions season was due to unfold, I would have given you one very simple answer: very darn good.
That was until Brisbane totally collapsed both physically and mentally, and now three months down the track, we find ourselves looking at quite possibly one of the worst teams in the competition, considering that Richmond, Adelaide and Melbourne all show signs of a very promising future.
For the most part, the Brisbane Lions have the talent.
Although recruiting Brendan Fevola is quite a debatable topic right now up north, there’s no doubt that his handy banana goals and “Twin Tower” partnership with Johnathan Brown was quite popular, even though it was a short lived experience due to injury.
So what is really wrong with the Brisbane Lions? It’s the question we would all like an answer to.
The bandwagon was all fired up at the GABBA this time three months ago, and it was hard to argue against their unbeaten streak and under the radar goal kickers in the likes of Todd Banfield, Daniel Rich and of course trusty old Simon Black.
Well, I would like to go out on a limb here and resort back to the typical fan perspective that is taken aboard by supporters when their team is struggling: blame the coach.
Yes, Michael Voss was a fantastic player. Three time premiership winner and quite possibly one of the most exciting midfielders to ever lace up a pair of boots back in the 1990’s.
But his coaching career? Yeah, I could take it or leave it.
For you see, the Brisbane Lions problem is the Brisbane Lions. They are a team that are afraid to step out of their own shadow, and go after any coaching talent that hasn’t had a solid hand in the organisation.
Remember two years ago when Michael Voss was set to coach West Coast? Guess what happened, Michael Voss came back to Brisbane.
Perhaps it is the disgruntled fan that is coming out, or perhaps it is the frustration of yet another blown year that features yet another ravishing injury bug, and a loss of any real motivation.
Of course, the blame is to be pinned on the whole side, but is it reasonable to assume that some Lions fans are regretting not picking up Brad Scott for the coaching position considering his impressive start in North Melbourne?
I’m sure it’s crossed their minds.
Michael Voss was a great player, heck he may even turn out to be a great coach someday. But until the Lions start winning, Michael Voss is in for a very bumpy ride.
Sticking up for Michael Voss is good in small doses. Sooner or later, though, some of Vossy’s words need to be transformed into actions.
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Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
If the Lions are clever they can use this season as a passing of the guard season and send off some very talented players whilst also trying to be competitive.
There’s no disputing that Cam Guthrie will be important against Melbourne, given Patrick Dangerfield is set to miss due to injury.
The AFL need a more simple approach to high contact and one that makes players accountable, regardless of intent.
Collingwood led by a point with minutes to go, Kyle Langford had the chance to be the hero with a set shot, however, he missed, and we saw the first draw of the season.
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
