Brisbane forward Kai Lohmann confident Lions can rediscover accuracy in finals series

The Lions are desperate not to become too fixated on a major problem that has haunted them in recent weeks.

Lions forward Kai Lohmann has dismissed concerns about Brisbane’s goalkicking woes, saying one of the ways to deal with accuracy problems is to “forget” about them.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan expressed his frustration with his side’s inaccuracy following the Lions’ 20-point weekend win over Essendon.

While their 11.21 (87) effort was enough to beat the Bombers, it again highlighted the Lions’ failure to convert their chances, which cost them dearly in their previous two matches that ended in defeat against Collingwood and the GWS Giants.

The losses cost them a spot in the top four, meaning Brisbane will walk a sudden-death tightrope for the entire finals series, starting from Saturday week’s elimination battle against Carlton at the Gabba.

However, the “laid-back” Lohmann didn’t seem overly worried with the goalkicking problems.

“We’re just trying to forget about it and really nail in and do the extras to try to fix it as quickly as we can,” he said on Tuesday.

“I think just we keep doing what we’re doing – get (the ball) in (to the forward line) and then hopefully just try and put it through the big sticks.

“Midfielders and defenders give us as many opportunities as we can, and hopefully us forwards can put them through.

“I’m a pretty laid-back guy, so I don’t like to think too much, but I’ll do my actions this week and kick as many goals I can (at training) and try to get as much confidence as I can and try to help the other boys as well.”

Kai Lohmann (right) celebrates a goal with his Brisbane teammate Charlie Cameron. Picture: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Lohmann, 21, has enjoyed a breakthrough AFL campaign, having played in all of Brisbane’s 23 top-flight matches this year compared with six last season and only two in 2022.

His five-goal performance against Richmond in round 10 earnt him an AFL Rising Star nomination.

“Getting continuity with my body has been the main thing and then just trying to improve and gain confidence at the level,” Lohmann said in explaining his rise.

“It’s been good to play every game this year. I’ve just been improving as the weeks go on and learning stuff from the forwards coach Murray Davis and working closely with (teammate) Charlie (Cameron) and these guys that have done it all before and who are really trying to help me.

“I feel like that’s been the main thing, but I’m just loving playing footy every week and trying to play the best I can and do my role for the team.”

Apart from Cameron, Lohmann, who grew up supporting Essendon, has also enjoyed sharing the forward line with former Bombers star Joe Daniher, who was one of his childhood heroes.

“It’s very special. I remember going to (the) Anzac Day (game between Essendon and Collingwood) as a child and having (Daniher’s) number six on my back,” Lohmann said.

“He’s a special player and someone I’ve looked up to when I got to the club and someone I lean on for advice and go over vision with.

“It’s pretty cool playing in the forward line with him.”

Originally published as Brisbane forward Kai Lohmann confident Lions can rediscover accuracy in finals series