Braced for more bad injury news, Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch has told his players to toughen up after copping a 113-point hiding from Port Adelaide.
Leppitsch will lose two of his best players, ruckman Matthew Leuenberger and Pearce Hanley, who were hurt in Port’s 24.15 (159) to 7.4 (46) romp at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Leuenberger may require knee surgery for a suspected torn meniscus while Hanley will likely miss three to six weeks with a torn hamstring.
Both were injured before halftime as the winless Lions’ horror start to the season continued.
“I have got no one left. I might have to come out of retirement if we keep going like this,” Leppitsch said.
“We are a bit light on at the moment but we just have to tough it out.
“Some of the injuries and suspension we have copped, there has been about 600, 700 games walk out the door in the last two weeks.
“You lose that sort of experience … but you have got to fight your way through it.”
Leuenberger and Hanley will be added to an injury list which already featured 11 players before the Lions’ debacle against Port.
Brisbane were smashed: the Power kicked 20 goals to four after quarter-time to delight their 36,321-strong home crowd.
Port’s Jay Schulz slotted seven goals and a trio of teammates – Matthew White, Justin Westhoff and first-gamer Sam Gray – each kicked three.
Power captain Travis Boak gathered 41 disposals, Kane Cornes had 38, Brad Ebert 35.
The Power had 63 entries into their attacking 50-metre zone, Brisbane just 28.
No wonder Port coach Ken Hinkley lauded the “ruthless style” of his club’s performance.
“It was a comprehensive, brutal performance,” Hinkley said.
Brisbane only had one clear winner: Tom Rockliff collected 31 disposals and laid 14 tackles, but his teammates were accused by their coach of self-preservation.
“We probably lost a bit of faith in what we were doing,” Leppitsch said.
“There are a lot of parts that we need to coach better and there’s parts the players have to take ownership of as well.
“What tends to happen when the scoreboard really blows out, a bit of self-preservation comes in, you forget all about your team structures … there is a bit of that creeping in.”
Bee bee
Guest
Maybe Lions should re - relocate to Fitzroy. I think the sunshine is messing with their heads.
Radelaide
Guest
That's why I was only talking about COLA for the kids on smaller money.
Cody
Guest
I tnink its know fact Voss got the chop to try and get Roos and it came undone, just imagine what Roos would have brought to the lions and footy in Queensland. Brisbane needs a markey player or fingers cross leppa's game plan kicks into gear like Hinkleys has at the power and we start winning because time is not on your side in a non footy state, interest drops off really quick!
Cat
Roar Guru
And they are compensated far more then the average person for it. How many average aussies have a chance to be making 400k+ per annum after only a few years doing whatever job they choose to do?
Radelaide
Guest
I don't know if you know too many AFL players but their workload is far more than the average person.
Judy Morris
Guest
As a Victorian Brisbane lion supporter we really don't know whats happening in Queensland.All the bad decisions haven't helped the whole club,,players ,coaches,etc. I wonder if there are still inner club problems? All I know Brisbane were slowly starting to bond and play as a team towards the end of last season,so what has caused this sad season.?.The five players that left the club didn't play every game so thats no excuse. Our players are mostly young guys who need to strengthen up some how.If we at the moment have 13 injured players, its proof they are getting hurt because their bodies can't take the stress and they are trying to do the impossible for their club.They have no hope against solid men that have been developing for some time.They just run out of puff[ Hawthorn is an example] Big strong bodies.Our successfull teams were the same untill everyone retired.I would love to see us win a few games but can't see how in the near future unfortunately,
Cat
Roar Guru
Their struggles to hold younger players have absolutely nothing to do with money. Why bring up tax? AFL players don't pay any more then the rest of us. In 2011 the base payment was $51,000 for a first year player drafted in the 3rd round or later, plus match payments, relocation allowances and top medical insurance coverage provided by the AFLPA. Thats far in excess of what the average aussie just entering the workforce at 18 can expect to earn.
Gecko
Guest
With this sort of shattering start to a season comes a chance to learn about the Lions' leadership group and new coach. If they maintain unity and belief in their direction, they'll play out the season competitively and finish with some longer term gains, like system, discipline, self-respect and team spirit. If they end up squabbling, they'll finish the year in a Melbourne-like quagmire. Same test applies to Carlton.
Radelaide
Guest
Well they are struggling to keep younger players and if you put tax into the mix they might be on an average Aussie wage for what equates to more than a full time career, sure they need to work their way up but the work they put in is more commitment than the average job.
DUNCAN
Guest
It was obvious that the Lions were saving themselves for Thursdays match against Richmond and gave the match up after half time. That was a terrible third quarter. Think they conceded twenty plus shots on goal, which is just farcical really. This match showed to me why the season has never being lengthened. I always have wanted to have ten more matches five earlier and five later and do away with NAB Cup. But too many matches would be hundred plus floggings as teams would give the match away as what happened here
Axle an the guru
Guest
Reply:Disagree Radelaide, there well and truly on enough money through a contract to live a good life style as soon a they sign the dotted line.
Radelaide
Guest
Like the Crows I don't think Brisbane's problems will solved with the return of some injured players but more likely some high draft picks over a period of time. Hope they can keep them I think the AFL should offer a form of COLA to NSW, QLD teams for younger players.
Axle an the guru
Guest
They miss Black, but no one up here will worry about Brisbanes predicament anyway( neither will the AFL). Its all about the million dollar pretty boy *SUNS* now. BTW it was good to see them get thumped too. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Cat
Roar Guru
Simon Black retired, Brown is a year older, and no one new brought in. While those 5 may not have contributed much last year they are the players who would be starting to play this year, especially with the injuries. Sometime standing still is as bad as going backwards. Plus a new game plan almost always requires a step or two backwards before showing gains.
Axle an the guru
Guest
I personally thought the Geelong win would have saved Voss last year, i thought it was a mistake to get rid of him. He was worth one more year to see what could have been, at least. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
NORDBURG
Guest
Whilst injuries dont help,how has this side gone so far backwards?The 5 players that left were not exactly contributing much last year when they finished the season well.Voss,whilst a man of extreme integrity,must be laughing on the inside -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.