Lions primed for big occasions
BRISBANE have more than just quality opponents to overcome in the next two weeks if they wish to finish in the top two – they also have an occasion and venue to come to grips with.
Brisbane play Geelong and Richmond to finish the home and away season in matches that will shape the make-up of the top four.
Coach Chris Fagan knows that in addition to top-class opposition, there are other factors the bigger clubs are more familiar with that his side must learn to deal with.
The Lions have only had the one Gabba sell-out this season – the Easter Thursday blockbuster against Collingwood. It was also a rare free-toair game and with the eyes of the footy world on them, the Lions were overwhelmed.
Fagan says his players are better equipped now.
“I think so; it was invaluable, the Collingwood experience,’’ he said. “We all sat down and talked about the pros and cons of that one and we learnt a lot as a footy club … some of these clubs get to play those sorts of games all the time and for us it has been rare, so to get that experience early in the year was great.
“I’m pretty sure it will stand us in good stead for next week.
“It will be interesting to see how we go because it has been a long time since we’ve played Geelong and a long time since we’ve played Richmond.’’ Port Douglas 6.1 (37) 10.3 (63) 13.4 (82) 16.6 (102) Pyramid Power 2.4 (16) 3.5 (23) 5.6 (36) 8.6 (54) PORT DOUGLAS Goal Kickers: C. Taylor 4, A. Dickson 3, B. Wall 3, D. Young 2, T. Berry 2, C. Loughnan, A. Dunwell Best Players: J. Read, T. Gulliver, C. Taylor, T. Goodall, T. Berry, J. Hunt PYRAMID POWER Goal Kickers: Z. Woola 4, J. Toikalkin 2, D. Floyd, R. Lehmann Best Players: J. Toby, T. Sammons, J. Mooka, M. Saveka, C. Wray, J. Toikalkin South Cairns 9.5 (59) 17.11 (113) 25.15 (165) 33.23 (221) North Cairns 0.0 SOUTH CAIRNS Goal Kickers: P. Buller 7, A. Broad 6, W. Matthews 5, L. Ehlich 5, D. Richardson 2, S. Albrew 2, J. Crocker, W. English, C. Stewart, M. Crawford, K. Garlick Best Players: L. Ehlich, W. English, P. Buller, A. Broad, W. Matthews, B. Cairns City Lions 4.2 (26) 6.3 (39) 7.4 (46) 9.5 (59) Cairns Saints 3.0 (18) 8.0 (48) 11.2 (68) 14.4 (88)