Lions’ stirring comeback wins ‘not sustainable’: Fagan
Oliver Caffrey |
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan concedes the Lions’ incredible stretch of comeback wins is “not sustainable”, even as they sit undefeated atop the AFL ladder.
After coming from behind to win two classic finals against GWS and Geelong last September on their way to lifting the premiership, the Lions’ surging second halves have extended into 2025.
In four of their five wins this season, Brisbane have trailed by an average of 31 points before storming home.
The Lions’ only comfortable win was against Richmond in round four, when they led at every change.
The Western Bulldogs led by 39 points early in the third quarter last Saturday, before the reigning premiers pulled off a dramatic 60-point swing.
Brisbane have snatched the mantle of the AFL’s comeback kings from Collingwood, who they host in a blockbuster Easter Thursday match at the Gabba.
Across 2022 and 2023, the Magpies were never out of contests and managed to win 12 consecutive matches when behind at three-quarter time.
Fagan insists he is perplexed why Brisbane’s second quarters have been so poor, but they still find ways to win matches.
“Doing it that way is not sustainable, we know that, so we’ll keep working away at being more consistent throughout a game,” Fagan said on Wednesday.
“It’s a pretty hard thing to do these days because all the teams you play are pretty good, so they’re going to get their momentum at some point as well.
“We’ve had a great rivalry with Collingwood over the last few years and they have come out on top in the last three games, so there’s plenty to play for.
“Maybe you could say it’s a readiness to play, maybe it’s what the opposition throw at you.
“Oppositions are coming at us a lot harder than what they have in the past.”
Fagan also defended forward-ruck Sam Day, who is four games into his career at the Lions after the inaugural Gold Coast player was brought in as cover following Joe Daniher’s retirement last year.
“You look at numbers, I look at actions and things that happen out on the field and what he does to help others and our system,” Fagan responded when asked about not kicking a goal for the Lions yet.
“I’m happy with what he’s doing.
“I’d like him to kick a goal or two, but that’ll come. I’m not too fussed about that.
“We’re kicking pretty decent scores each week, so it’s not like our forward line isn’t functioning.
“He needs to be given a bit of time to fit into our system. It’s not like he can walk in and suddenly you’re the man, that takes a bit of time. We’ll back Sam in.”
The Lions will debut young midfielder Sam Marshall, an academy selection in last year’s draft.
He will be joined in the line-up by James Tunstill, with the pair coming in for Will McLachlan and Bruce Reville (injured).
Collingwood regain midfielder-forward ace Jordan De Goey after he sat out last week’s win against Sydney with achilles soreness.
Forward Tim Membrey has been listed as “managed”.
AAP
