NO CHOKE BUT SURGE OF BELIEF AS LIONS ROAR
BRISBANE coach Chris Fagan says the Lions will take enormous confidence from their epic elimination final win over Richmond after being written off as September chokers.
In a thrilling start to this year’s finals series, a goal with 64 seconds left on the clock from Joe Daniher sealed the Lions a 16.10 (106) to 16.8 (104) win over the Tigers in front of more than 35,000 fans at the Gabba on Thursday night.
The Lions entered the contest with just one win from their previous six finals matches and, following llowing a heavy loss to Melbourne ourne in the final round of the regular season, were re disregarded as a premiership threat.
However, belief f and momentum are e now on Brisbane’s ’s side ahead of another her do-or-die affair next week against the loser oser of Friday night’s match h between the Demons and the Sydney Swans. Swans
“We want to win more finals,” Fagan (above) said.
“We’re not going to get carried away with ourselves tonight and give ourselves a pat on the back but if ever there was a way to win a final, and you want to show that you are made of the right stuff, I think tonight we showed that.
“We were probably gone a few times.”
Many thought the Lions were “gone” after just two minutes, when ruckman Oscar Mcinerney was forced off with concussion after suffering a heavy knock.
“Our players could easily have got disappointed with the Oscar injury so early in the game. It’s a pretty massive blow. He’s an important player to us,” Fagan said.
“Tonight, that didn’t affect us mentally. The boys kept playing, and I like that about our effort. Finals often come down to what’s going on in your mind, and your mindset to hang in there, even when things aren’t going well, and we did that.
“I’m really proud of our group tonight.
“It’s a step forward in our development.
“It should do a fair bit for our confidence
… (and) it should give us a little bit of momentum.”
Fagan said former Geelong big man Darcy Fort would replace Mcinerney next week.
Fort had been due to play for Brisbane’s VFL side this weekend but he will now be pulled out to prepare for the Lions’ next AFL assignment.
Fagan will also have a pleasant selection headache in trying to fit Cam Rayner and Noah Answerth – both suspended for the win over Richmond – back in Brisbane’s top 22.
“It’s a nice problem to have. Both those boys can bring something to the team,” the Lions coach said.