After a big win on the weekend, Chris Fagan’s Brisbane Lions once again proved why they can win the premiership.
Their win on the weekend has penciled them in as finishing in the top four and they now move equal with both Geelong and West Coast on points, with only percentage separating the Lions from being on top of the ladder.
So what makes Brisbane so good?
On the weekend, we saw a perfect example: it’s their pressure.
Brisbane’s pressure acts around the ground are elite. Their tackling is unstoppable and Darcy Gardiner displayed that with a huge goal-saving tackle on Bailey Dale in the second quarter.
Dayne Zorko this year has been a key pressure player for the Lions with 125 tackles for the season, which puts him third overall in the competition.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Additionally, pressure acts from Brisbane’s small forward Charlie Cameron have been outstanding. On Sunday he was unstoppable. As well as providing forward pressure, he also hit the scoreboard, kicking four goals.
On top of pressure, the Lions also uniquely utilise and make the most of their ball use. They run in small clusters, which allows them to flick the ball around quickly and then attack straight into their forward line.
This quick ball movement is spearheaded by Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko, Jarryd Lyons and also Mitch Robinson, who have all had stand-out years.
Brisbane’s back line has also been brilliant this year. Led by AFL veteran Luke Hodge, Brisbane’s defence has held up well.
Young gun Noah Answerth has also established himself as key part of Brisbane’s back line and Darcy Gardiner has also had a solid year playing centre half back.
Chris Fagan should be applauded for the work and development he has put into this team. He has totally transformed the club and regenerated the Brisbane Lions.
From an AFL fan’s perspective, I’d love to see the Lions battling for the flag on grand final day this year.
This fresh-faced team will embrace September football, and if they continue to play the brand of football they have been playing in season 2019, then they are well on the way to win the flag.
Mono man
Guest
Another feel good grand final story like bulldogs and tigers. Im a lions fan so i would love to see them win but i am more interested in establishing a generation that could three-peet again. I think the best thing for this team is to experience finals loss this year to give them the drive for the future.
Peter Warrington
Guest
and what if richmond lose this week and they win, and Giants are then 4th next week - does that automatically make the same Brisbane win, weeks ago, magical in its meritoriousness? pffffft
IAP
Guest
Sort of like West Coast fans this year...
Raimond
Roar Guru
GWS are fifth. Sorry to spoil your fun.
Peter Warrington
Guest
... because Brisbane beat them Circular reference
Peter Warrington
Guest
Unbearable fans are unbearable Richmond fans are the best
Peter Warrington
Guest
Did not feel like that at the ground. Lions always seemed to have the Giants measure Giants either not as good as we all think or all still guilty of waiting for someone else to light the spark Look great when on top tho
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
The Bulldogs last goal against the Lions was enough.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
They’ve been the story of 2019 for sure and if the Pies and Cats miss out , good luck to them . I hope they win it,
SeymoreButts
Roar Rookie
The Lions are just about everybody's second team... so if they do make it they will have plenty of support..especially if its against another non Melbourne based team .
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Someone losing by 20 points and the other winning by 20 and tha could change things substantially.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
No,it’s 95.815% to 95.790%. 0.025% to be precise. Fremantle scores one more point in the season and they move to 95.86 %. Bulldogs score one less point in the season and they drop to 95.75%.
Pat
Guest
This article is about Brisbane not GWS...
Raimond
Roar Guru
They are fifth.
RT
Roar Rookie
I wasn't have a go at you, just wondering if you have seen much of them. When you only see a few highlights like me, you only see the best bits and they look awesome. The media have generally been off the Brisbane bandwagon, but maybe that is justified since they see a lot more than me.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Wesren Derby GF.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
.002 isn't it?
Olav Muurlink
Guest
Actually, we played the Giants when they were top 4 I believe...at home...when their average winning margin had been 70+ to that point...
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
A fair point Richie. Not a side I’ve seen a lot of.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Jack Darling and Josh Kennedy say hai! They average 4.9 goals per game. Lynch and Riewoldt average 3.6. But,this is important. The Lions have 10 players with 10 goals or more. Five are a goal a game. The Tigers only have 8 with four of those worth a goal a game including Riewoldt who has 8 from 7 games and Chol who has 9 from 7. Brisbane by four goals. If they have to depend on Castagna for goals,well,he’s a weak reed.