We didn’t lack confidence and we didn’t lack belief but we just couldn’t get the job done over Richmond on Saturday night.
They call it a “learning experience” in the classics and the mighty Brisbane Lions (proudly sponsored by Neds) learnt plenty, which gives us a GIANT (see what I did there) opportunity this Saturday night against GWS.
Things to learn from the game is that bad kicking is bad football and more importantly; unless your name is Dustin Martin, don’t throw the ball.
Don’t get me wrong, I hate losing finals but we earned the double chance and finished top-two to ensure that we get another hit out at the Gabbatoir.
There’s no second chance this Saturday night; win and we’re through to take on the Pies in a prelim.
Lose, and we reflect on a wonderful year that could have been so much more.
I don’t expect the second option to happen at all, in fact, I’m confident I’ve got at least two more editions of “Betting on the Lion” left for season 2019.
This time, we’re playing to win.
I’ll level with you.
I don’t like this mob we are playing.
There are so many reasons.
From the Jeremy Cameron and Harris Andrews incident, Toby Greene in general, the stocking up on the draft picks, how people now think they were the AFL’s lovechild when people used to accuse us of being it (those were the days), the fact that Luke Power played his 300th game in a Giants jumper…the reasons are long and reasonable and I could devote an entire blog to it, but I won’t.
This is about how the mighty Brisbane Lions (proudly sponsored by Neds) are going to win our first final in over a decade.
Firstly – we will need to kick straight.
“Bad kicking is bad football” they teach you this in your very first Auskick session as a little tacker.
The wastefulness in front of goal wasn’t great and we can’t have Dayne Zorko and Mitch Robinson (who won’t play due to injury) kicking three behinds each.
Some serious time spent doing some good old goalkicking practice this week at the Gabba is what is required.
Any fancy-pants physio/sports scientist who said this isn’t good for them has too many protein shakes in their head.
This is finals football.
We need to bloody win and kicking straight is key to that.
No time for wastefulness either, in that first quarter we dominated the inside 50s 23-6 and a 12 point lead.
You can’t waste time like that in finals football.
But it’s ok, we’ve learnt from last week and we will be all the better for the experience.
Expect a big night out from our key forwards – Eric Hipwood, Dan McStay and even some magic from the Big O.
Charlie Cameron is ready to break out again and really cause some damage over those pesky Giants.
Our win against GWS back in Round 16 was proof that we meant business this season when Lachie Neale got leather poising and Lincoln McCarthy played an absolute blinder with three goals to his name.
It was breathtaking.
I expect a repeat performance this Saturday night at the Gabba and I look forward to writing next weeks edition of Betting on the Lion ahead of our Preliminary Final against the Pies.
Stef Martin says the Lions are still confident and will be ready to give it their all this Saturday night. Read more below 🔽https://t.co/xrLudCvCNI pic.twitter.com/LoVPyZ41QD
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) September 9, 2019
Hodgey’s performance was vintage on Saturday night, with the four-time Hawk (and hopefully one time Lion) premiership player letting his experience shine through in finals footy.
You have to admire his work and leadership both on and off the field and the fact he was even able to intercept a mark from the all-conquering Dustin Martin was outstanding.
Hodgey eats the pressure of finals footy for breakfast and for him to able to remain composed against some of the AFL’s best speaks volumes of the bloke.
Luke Hodge kicking his first goal for season 2019 in a final to help the Lions get into a Prelim would be fitting and I’m happy to back him in.
And Hodgey, if you’re reading this mate I’ve got three words for you: PLAY ON 2020.
How good has Luke Hodge been?
13 disposals, five marks, 85% efficiency 👏#AFLLionsTigers #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/KeOPDhjWSp
— AFL (@AFL) September 7, 2019
To state the bleeding obvious, this game is going to be won in the midfield.
We need Lachie Neale to go above and beyond, as he has done week in, week out (especially when we last faced the Giants) and he’ll need to be diagnosed with a severe case of leather poisoning this Saturday night at the Gabba.
Since joining the club from Freo, Neale has been a vital cog in getting the Lions back to where we belong and I’m already referring to him as the 2019 Brownlow medalist ($5 in Neds Market)
Expect plenty from Lachie Neale on Saturday night as his dominance guides us to a preliminary final.
Lachie Neale is the AFL Fans Recruit of the Year 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TZ3gbGHoNQ
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) September 4, 2019
A special shout-out to the Brisbane Lions NEAFL team who take on Southport Sharks this Sunday in the NEAFL Grand Final.
The trophy cabinet at the Gabba could always do with a little more silverware.
Go get ’em lads!
The market will be available later in the week, but you know who I’m backing.
The @LionsNEAFL team will play the Southport Sharks in the Grand Final! 🔥
📷@dlayden72 pic.twitter.com/xZgFta80Nq
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) September 8, 2019
Ned Merrett-Murray is Neds resident Brisbane Lions nuffie. The child of the ultimate Brisbane Lions parents, whose mother rattled tins to save Fitzroy and Dad dined with Christopher Skase at Carrara, Ned was a Brisbane Lions diehard from birth. Ned constantly reminds his wife and kids that 2001, 02 and 03 Grand Final’s were the best days of his life and nothing compares to it. Ned never misses a game, training session, JLT, AFLW, NEAFL and Fitzroy Ammos match. Ned lives in Woolongabba with his wife Leigh and twins Chris and Brad and pet fish Vossy, Browny and Blacky.