What was really behind Brisbane’s shock defeat?
Cody Atkinson and Sean Lawson have taken a deeper look:
A lack of effort and complacency were quickly mentioned as scapegoats for the Lions’ loss, while the Swans’ resilient spirit was credited for the victory.
While complacency may have played a role, the indications are that the issues may sit a little bit deeper.
This Lions’ season has hinted at a couple of issues not seen in previous years.
The Lions’ title defence — and their bid for a premiership three-peat — might just come apart at the hands of their own defence.
Read the full piece below:
A beautiful Brisbane night
It’s a lovely evening in Brisbane, a fraction chilly (by Brisbane standards) but no real risk of rain and unlikely to be impacted by any real breeze.
It’s a sell out at the Gabba tonight too, not a spare seat in the house. A massive test of Adelaide’s nerve.
How these teams got here
There was shock around the SCG last week when Sydney, supposedly down and out in the wake of scandal, produced an inspired finals performance to simply blow Brisbane away.
The Lions have subsequently faced accusations of complacency and arrogance, charges they would no doubt deny but opened themselves to with a poor showing against the Swans. They were outworked, outrun, outmuscled and outclassed by a Sydney side missing a hatful of its prime movers.
A response is expected of the Lions tonight. Anything less would surely be a tremendous disappointment.
Adelaide’s last weekend was far more positive, as the Crows answered the bell for coach Matthew Nicks and put the Western Bulldogs away in the last quarter.
It wasn’t a vintage performance but it was one full of character, which in some ways meant more after the dismal end to Adelaide’s 2025.
The Crows’ win again proved the value of its prolific forward line, which will be required to lift again tonight if a win over the Lions is to be found. With the monkey of the back, the Crows are now freed up and confident. A dangerous blend.
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