LIONS BACK TO BEST WITH ‘MORE GIVING’
BRISBANE forward Eric Hipwood revealed the playing group had addressed a “selfish” habit in front of goal to get their season back on track with a 57-point win over Essendon last weekend.
After a 1-3 start to the season, the Lions have found confidence after their 15.12 (102) to 6.9 (45) win over the Bombers at the Gabba.
“It was good to get back to our best,” Hipwood said after Tuesday’s training session. The Lions youngster – who will celebrate his 100th AFL game this weekend – said the team had gone back to basics in a bid to turn their season around, starting in front of goal.
“We were a lot more predictable to each other,“Hipwood said.
“In previous weeks, we weren‘t giving that first give and we were a little bit selfish in front of goal.
“We improved that and we addressed that throughout the week.”
Brisbane had Dan Mcstay back last weekend after the 195cm key forward injured his knee during the pre-season and his return proved invaluable.
The 25-year-old kicked the first goal of the match and added a second before the end of the quarter.
Hipwood said Mcstay’s inclusion in the team was crucial and allowed their forward line to return close to full strength.
“We lost Cam Rayner at the start of the year as well and that kind of upset our forward line a tad, so to get Macca back and have a permanent forward there helped a lot,” he said. “It just gives us more confidence that we know he’s going to be setting up in the right position.
“It was a pretty big in.
“It may not seem like it, but it was a good in for our forward line.”
The Lions will travel to Marvel Stadium on Saturday to play the Blues – who have also started the season 2-3. Hipwood said the Lions had yet to address their upcoming opponent, but was wary of Carlton following their inconsistent start to the year.