Hodge will help Lions in defence

AFL: Long-time Brisbane defensive coach Murray Davis says the addition of Luke Hodge will be the tonic required to finally plug the leaks at the Lions.

Davis took the reins in Brisbane’s heavy 55-point AFL preseason trial loss to Sydney on Saturday as head coach Chris Fagan sat on the sidelines.

Despite valiant defensive pressure, several breakdowns meant the Swans were allowed easy access to Brisbane’s goal.

The Lions improved their defensive numbers last season compared to their 2016 efforts, but still leaked more points than any other AFL side in collecting the wooden spoon.

Davis, who has overseen the club’s defence since arriving in 2012, admitted many of last season’s problems remained after the loss at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.

But he said Hawthorn’s fourtime premiership winner Hodge, who is set for a Lions debut in next Sunday’s AFL trial on the Gold Coast, would provide an immediate fix.

“Luke Hodge will help, having him out there to guide those guys will just make a huge difference,” Davis said.

“It already has; we’ve seen it in our training, we didn’t get to see it today. We’re looking forward to Hodgey coming back in next week against Gold Coast and adding that experience to our back six.”

Hodge, Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko were all rested for Brisbane as Lance Franklin starred for the Swans in an imposing four-goal performance.

Brisbane led late in the first quarter before Sydney scored 11 straight goals, with Franklin doing as he pleased in the first half.

Adelaide recruit Charlie Cameron and No.1 draft pick Cameron Rayner both made their first appearances for Brisbane.

“We were really happy with Cam; he pressured the ball and he learned about the speed and tempo of the game ... showed some glimpses of what he’s capable of doing,” Davis said.

“I think across the board we were happy with the boys’ effort, Charlie was in the category where we just didn’t capitalise.”