How clash with cellar-dwelling North Melbourne is a do-or-die clash for Brisbane

It seems absurd that a clash against last year’s 17th-best side is a do-or-die one for a grand finalist, but CALLUM DICK explains why the Roos might be just what the doctor ordered for an under-fire Brisbane.

Joe Daniher of the Lions in action during a Brisbane Lions training session at Norwood Oval. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

A Gather Round road trip to face the lowly Kangaroos could be just what the doctor ordered to ignite the Brisbane Lions’ spluttering start to season 2024.

If not, Chris Fagan’s side might be beyond saving.

A backline plagued by injuries coupled with superstar forwards suffering from a crisis of confidence have underpinned the Lions’ worst start to a season since 2018.

It’s unfamiliar territory for Fagan’s men, who have won more home and away matches than any other team in the AFL since 2019.

After succumbing to losses against still-unbeaten Carlton and Fremantle in their opening two matches, the Lions played reigning premiers Collingwood back into form on Easter Thursday in a head scratching encounter remembered for dropped marks and missed shots.

Brisbane’s star goal kicking triumvirate of Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood and Charlie Cameron averaged six goals per game between them last season, but that number has dropped below four in 2024.

The Lions are now among the worst in the AFL at converting inside 50s into scores – something that had been a feature of their game over the past four seasons and particularly in last year’s run to the grand final.

And up the other end of the ground it doesn’t look much better.

With the injuries to running defenders Keidean Coleman (ACL) and Conor McKenna (hamstring) much of the early focus centred on the impact their absence would have on the Lions’ ball movement and scoring potential.

Dayne Zorko has played down back with key cogs missing for the Lions. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

While that still holds true, Fagan’s side has become particularly vulnerable at ground level in the back half.

The Lions have conceded 40 points from defensive 50 stoppages in their past two matches including 25 against Collingwood.

The AFL average is seven points per game.

What was never a strong suit under Fagan has now been amplified by the Lions’ inability to kick a winning score going the other way.

Fortunately for Brisbane, there is no side as vulnerable behind the ball as North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos have conceded an average of 120 points against so far this season, including 137 against Carlton on Good Friday.

The Blues’ tall target tandem of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow cashed in for nine goals against North’s inexperienced back six – as did Giants key forwards Jesse Hogan and Jake Riccardi in Round 1.

If there was ever a time for the Lions’ star forwards to play their way into goalkicking form it would be Friday afternoon at Adelaide Oval.

“You’re trying to give guys confidence and positivity – (show them) what it looks like when they’re at their best,” skipper Harris Andrews said when asked about some of his teammates struggling with confidence.

“Whenever I’m in a bit of a form slump I might go back and watch some of my best games and what it looks like from behind the goals. Sometimes you might just go away from those things.”

In the corresponding fixture last year Daniher booted five goals while Hipwood and Cameron kicked four apiece in a 152-77 thrashing that highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides.

Brisbane simply must cash in against the Kangaroos or risk a truly disastrous start to the season.

The Lions then have a six-day turnaround before playing an in-form Melbourne at the MCG, followed by a return home to face Geelong and then trip to Canberra for a battle with premiership fancies GWS.