Lions claim Q Clash against fading Suns
LIONS coach Chris Fagan is taking no joy from the crisis engulfing the Suns, saying both clubs would benefit from shared success.
Fagan is able to bring a clear perspective to the Suns’ plight and how it relates to the Q Clash rivalry, having walked into a club in just as much trouble little less than a year ago.
He has managed to orchestrate a form turnaround and with football manager David Noble has done a terrific job unifying the Lions.
However both men have had to adjust to different operating challenges running a footy side in rugby league heartland.
Two strong teams builds the interest that leads to greater crowd and sponsorship revenue, which assists the clubs’ ability to attract and retain players.
“Hopefully both of our teams can rise together and Queensland footy is strong because that’s what the AFL need and that is what Queensland wants, it is a place where a lot of people are interested in AFL,’’ he said. “I just hope for them that they do get going and I think they will.’’
In the space of two years the Lions have overtaken the Suns as the Queensland side with the brightest future.
There is a legitimate argument they have superior young talent, too – an area always considered the Suns’ strength.
Fagan was reluctant to concede that and pointed to the Suns’ wretched injury history.
“Possibly, but that can change pretty quickly,’’ he said.
“They do have a lot of talent and in fairness they have had a hell of a lot of injuries over the past three years, which has made coaching that team difficult because what you rely on is that continuity, a core group of 15 to 16 players playing week in and week out. They’ve never been able to get that.’’
Brisbane took another step towards avoiding the wooden spoon with a 58-point drubbing of the Suns in Saturday’s Q Clash at the Gabba.
Their form line since the Round 11 bye has been solid with four wins from 10 matches. Of the sides outside the eight, it is superior to North Melbourne (one), Fremantle and Carlton (two each), Gold Coast (three) and Collingwood (three wins and a draw).
The win drew the Lions level on points with Carlton and North Melbourne.
“We’ve still got to rely on other results, but we’re giving ourselves the best chance,” Fagan said.
“We’re hellbent on trying to get off the bottom, (I) had a chat to the players this week about motivation for winning this game. Probably if you look at the ladder after the bye, we’re nowhere near the bottom.’’