Lions face changes
BRISBANE AFLW coach Craig Starcevich has threatened to wield the axe after the Lions’ disappointing loss to Western Bulldogs yesterday.
The Lions suffered their first home-and-away season loss, falling by nine points to a gutsy Bulldogs side in scorching conditions at their home base at Brendale.
Despite a strong secondhalf fightback, Brisbane could not capitalise on their opportunities and struggled to execute in front of more than 5000 fans who braved the heat, hitting six behinds and three goals for the 5.3 (33) to 3.6 (24) loss.
The Bulldogs delivered the killer blow in the second quarter, kicking four goals to none for a 26-3 lead in a ruthless performance led by young gun Isabel Huntington.
Starcevich said this lapse hurt the Lions and, despite the comeback, he could make changes for Saturday’s clash with Carlton.
“It probably means we’ll make a few changes and bring some other people into the group,” he said.
“We definitely need to iron out all these peaks and troughs, no doubt about that.
“It’s unlike our group, too. We’re normally a pretty even, consistent group.
“We were a bit lethargic all day. It wasn’t until we had that really poor second quarter that they got themselves sparked up and energised. We just looked a bit flat and off all day.”
Ally Anderson and Jess Wuetschner were Brisbane’s best, kicking all three goals.
The Bulldogs were led by Emma Kearney and Ellie Blackburn, while Huntington’s two goals in the second quarter was a turning point.
Her day was cut short after the young star was taken off with a suspected ACL injury.
It was a massive blow for the Bulldogs, with Huntington expected to undergo scans today.
The Lions will go back to the drawing board for their highly anticipated showdown with former teammate Tayla Harris on Saturday.
Carlton are at the top of the ladder after claiming their opening two matches and Starcevich said rediscovering their consistency would be key for the Lions ahead of a tough road trip.
“It’s the great challenge of every team to be consistent right across the game,” he said.
“Every coach and every team wants (four-quarter consistency).
“Maybe a little bit more like the Bulldogs, in terms of controlling the ball and using it the way we want to.”