Brisbane coach Chris Fagan proud of Lions’ gutsy performance in win over Richmond
Despite being “gone a few times”, the Brisbane Lions have fought back to remain alive in the race for the AFL premiership.
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Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the Lions will take enormous confidence from their epic elimination final win over Richmond after being written off as September chokers.
In a thrilling start to this year’s finals series, a goal with 64 seconds left on the clock from Joe Daniher sealed the Lions a 16.10 (106) to 16.8 (104) win over the Tigers in front of more than 35,000 fans at the Gabba on Thursday night.
The Lions entered the contest with just one win from their previous six finals matches, and following a heavy loss to Melbourne in the final round of the regular season, were disregarded as a premiership threat.
However, belief and momentum are now on Brisbane’s side ahead of another do-or-die affair next week against the loser of Friday night’s match between the Demons and the Sydney Swans.
“We want to win more finals,” Fagan said.
“We’re not going to get carried away with ourselves tonight and give ourselves a pat on the back but if ever there was a way to win a final and you want to show that you are made of the right stuff, I think tonight we showed that.
“We were probably gone a few times.”
Many thought the Lions were “gone” was after just two minutes when ruckman Oscar McInerney was forced off with concussion after suffering a heavy knock.
“Our players could easily have got disappointed with the Oscar injury so early in the game. It’s a pretty massive blow. He’s an important player to us,” Fagan said.
“Tonight that didn’t affect us mentally. The boys kept playing, and I like that about our effort. Finals often come down to what’s going on in your mind, and your mindset to hang in there, even when things aren’t going well, and we did that.
“I’m really proud of our group tonight. It’s a step forward in our development.
“It should do a fair bit for our confidence … (and) it should give us a little bit of momentum.”
Fagan said former Geelong big man Darcy Fort would replace McInerney next week.
Fort had been due to play for Brisbane’s VFL side this weekend but he will now be pulled out to prepare for the Lions’ next AFL assignment.
Fagan will also have a pleasant selection headache in trying to fit Cam Rayner and Noah Answerth – both suspended for the win over Richmond – back in Brisbane’s top 22.
“It’s a nice problem to have. Both those boys can bring something to the team, “ the Lions coach said.
Originally published as Brisbane coach Chris Fagan proud of Lions’ gutsy performance in win over Richmond
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