Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has hinted he may wield the axe after back-to-back losses have the rebuilding AFL club licking their wounds.
The Lions’ first Gabba sellout since 2010 was one to forget as Collingwood dominated 18.15 (123) to 8.13 (61) on Easter Thursday.
The manner of the loss was as worrying as the margin for Fagan, who lamented his side’s inability to escape their own half and admitted some of his players were battling for form.
Essendon were too slick last weekend as they ended the Lions’ three-game unbeaten start to the season, with Fagan agreeing they’d been “off the boil” since then.
“We’ve got a few out of form, that’s true,” the coach said.
“The NEAFL team has been in pretty good form, some guys there will be a chance for next week.
“We won our first three games, so no need to change the team, then you lose one so you think ‘well, give them a chance’.
“We’ve now lost two so we have to have a bit of a look at the team.”
Changes might be forced in any case, with key defender Harris Andrews and midfielder Rhys Mathieson second-half casualties with hamstring injuries.
The coach was disappointed to dish up such a performance in front of the 34,017-strong crowd but tried to keep things in perspective.
“Although we’ve been excited by the three-nil start there’s still always the fact there’s a lot more improvement to come in this group and nights like tonight remind you of that,” he said.
“We’ve just been off the boil the last couple of weeks.
“We’re a developing team, so stick with us and hopefully there will be a few more crowds of that size against other teams.”
Bones
Roar Rookie
The lions still have to many passengers. McStay never gets any better , last two weeks he's been a liability. Christensen was woeful , don't know what they can do with him long term. Stefan Martin is a very ordinary ruckman - always has been. Time for changes. Id get Taylor, Tommy Cutler too and give archie smith ago as well.
User
Roar Rookie
I know I was disgusted Macca, I couldn't believe anything negative was said, much like how I feel anytime any club is brought up, especially larger ones.
Macca
Roar Rookie
You have to ask why the blues get brought up on this thread
Pieman
Guest
I think the afl and the umpires really want collingwood in the finals. Lions werent great neither was the onesided umpiring. I guess eddie and little nathan need all the help they can get. Which they are obviously getting. Sack the afl ...give the game back to the people instead of the sponsors.
anon
Roar Pro
I know I was hoping otherwise rather than have the same old teams in the top 4.
User
Roar Rookie
I have them as a 8-10win team as I think most logical footy supporters did.
anon
Roar Pro
I was hoping that the Lions would provide the flesh blood this season desperately needs, but it looks like the first three weeks were a flash in the pan. Look like a 10 win team.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Bring back Fev. As far as The Bandwaggoners are concerned they could always go & support Broncos, Reds or Roar. Oh that's right they're losers as well.
User
Roar Rookie
Come on, didn't you know you can't say anything negative about Carlton.
George13
Guest
Not if they play like yesterday. That was awful performance. Wondering if some people will start jumping off Lions bandwagon. Also how does the 'gun' midfielder Lyons look now? But my harshest criticism is reserved for Rayner and Witherden. Rayner is overweight, has no tank. Witherden angry with teammates while being slow with terrible disposal. He got some attitude issues.
Duckworth-Lewis
Guest
They are still better than Carlton.