Aker: How to muzzle Dogs
FORMER Bulldogs and Lions star Jason Akermanis will be among the tens of thousands of fans to pack the Gabba on Saturday night to watch his old clubs in the first semi-final.
The triple-premiership player has tipped a tight tussle after both finished on the same number of competition points and just a 0.5 per cent difference after the regular season.
“I’m a bit biased but I’ll be at the Gabba and going for the Lions because I did play for them for 12 seasons and grew up here in Brisbane,” Akermanis said.
HOW WILL THE LIONS WIN
IT’S going to be a battle of the midfield, Akermanis says.
The likes of Jarryd Lyons, Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale and Dayne Zorko have been some of the most dangerous midfielders this season, with all three posting above-average disposal numbers.
Akermanis said the Lions simply had to get their hands on the ball and create one-on-one opportunities against the Bulldogs.
“The key to beating the Bulldogs is the pressure around the ball,” he said.
“The Lions can’t allow that handball and overlapping, and those short kicks to break through any zoning defence. As most finals are, it will end up becoming a one-on-one battle.”
DANGER FOR THE LIONS
AKERMANIS said the Lions couldn’t afford to play the way they did against Melbourne last weekend.
“I’m not really too worried with Dan McStay not there. The danger lies in the Bulldogs’ scramble footy, their quick kicks forward.
“If the Bulldogs’ forwards get easier shots at goal … then that’s going to be the one issue. I think be a real close game.” it’s going to
HOW WILL THE DOGS WIN
UNLIKE Brisbane who are coming off a loss in the first week of finals, the Dogs are high on confidence following their 49-point win over Essendon.
“The Bulldogs are a handball team and they’ll certainly try to get lots of numbers around the ball and get you around the back,” he said. “They were a bit unlucky to not finish in the top four. If Marcus Bontempelli and any of their midfielders kick goals, that’s always going to be a problem.”
THE DANGER FOR THE DOGS
AKERMANIS said the Bulldogs had to be wary of Brisbane’s goalkicking
PERTH: SEPT 25 ability across the park. “The Lions are one of the best attacking teams in the comp and they have goal kickers everywhere,” he said.
“Their midfielders kick goals, forwards kick goals.
“If the Lions’ midfielders and forwards get on top and generate their normal scoring capacity, that’s going to be the difference.” will oversee a review of the football department structure.
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