Lions star focused on finals, not 2023

LIONS forward Dan McStay refuses to be derailed by speculation he’s joining Collingwood as he dreams of farewelling Brisbane with an AFL premiership.

With McStay widely tipped to be moving to the Magpies next season, the Lions’ suddendeath final campaign has perhaps held extra significance for the 27-year-old free agent (pictured), knowing that every game this month could be his last in Brisbane colours

It’s an emotional September journey that has lifted McStay to greater heights.

He played key roles in the Lions’ finals wins over Richmond and Melbourne in the absences of ruckman Oscar McInerney, who lasted only two minutes against the Tigers, and star forward Joe Daniher, who missed the victory over the Demons to be present for the birth of his daughter.

McStay has set himself for another imposing performance at the MCG on Friday night, when the Lions meet minor premiers Geelong for the right to play in Saturday week’s grand final.

“We’re extremely confident now, as we should be,” McStay said. “If you can play all the way through (the finals), it definitely helps you build momentum, especially after the Richmond game. We spoke about that a lot.”

McStay denied he was affected by criticism of his form during the regular season after news broke of his expected defection to Collingwood.

“To be honest, I didn’t really read or hear much about it. I don’t really have any social media or watch those (AFL) shows, so it doesn’t really faze me,” he said. “People are going to talk ... I’ll just try to focus on my footy.”