Self-belief has Lions primed to take it to Collingwood

FALSE bravado no longer exists at the Lions and when they say they believe they can beat Collingwood, they mean it.

It is a tick to successive media departments at Brisbane that they have always talked up their chances.

But it is a greater credit to coach Chris Fagan that the players now believe what they are saying.

Ten spots on the ladder and eight wins separate the finalsbound Pies and the Lions but Fagan insists Brisbane are heading to Etihad Stadium believing they are a strong chance to win.

Fagan is a big believer in using history against sides for motivation as well as tactical planning and says the evidence is there that Brisbane can walk away with four points.

The Lions lost to Collingwood by seven points at the Gabba in Round 7 in a game that saw the classic 12-point play go against the home side.

The Lions were surging towards goal with Allen Christensen in possession on the half forward flank when desperate pressure from the Pies affected his centring kick to Tom Cutler alone in the corridor.

The ball was turned over and the Pies went down to kick the goal that secured the victory.

There was heartbreak within the Lions camp but after the Monday review the attitude had shifted. The players believed Collingwood were now beatable.

Fagan says a strong finish to last season and close games against Port Adelaide and the Pies had convinced the players their best could match it with any side in the competition.

“We always plan to win,’’ he said. “They believe they can, and that is fair enough because they should. It is not false bravado.

“Evidence says we are not too far away from most teams.

“The belief is there, it has built gradually.

“The finish to last year gave the boys something over the summer (to think about).”