Midfielder Tom Rockliff says Brisbane Lions must improve tackling technique

BRISBANE midfielder Tom Rockliff blames a "reckless" tackling technique for another lop-sided free-kick count against the Lions at the weekend.

Adcock tackling

BRISBANE midfielder Tom Rockliff blames a "reckless" tackling technique for another lop-sided free-kick count against the Lions at the weekend.

Coach Michael Voss has previously raised the issue and the club had an umpire recently visit training, but the Lions still lost the free-kick count 22-11 against the Power in Sunday's nine-point loss.

"We've got to get better at not jumping in their back and watching the high contact," Rockliff said.

"I think we let ourselves down in that regard, but to be minus 11 on the day, it's not a great look and we have to do something about it because it's been that way for the whole year.

"Obviously it's something we are doing wrong. We did (have an umpire come to training) and that makes it more disappointing.

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"Sometimes there can be a little bit of inconsistency with the way it is interpreted. But we have been a bit reckless going in for the tackle - we're a pretty aggressive team and when it comes to tackling and we don't hold back.

"Players are pretty smart, they know how to play or react for free kicks. Maybe we can get better at doing that ourselves, and learn a few tricks out there."

Rockliff said the contentious play-on decision by Daniel Merrett, which resulted in the only goal of the last quarter, was "probably fair enough" as the Lions let slip any hope of making the finals.

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They take on St Kilda on Saturday night at the Gabba where the Lions will aim for their fourth win in a row at home.

"We've played some good footy at home and we've got another good opportunity against St Kilda this week to prove ourselves," Rockliff said.

"It's more about pride now, whether finals are in the equation or not, we are going out there to play our best footy."