Brisbane greats weigh in on why the Lions can go all the way this finals series
The Lions are back in finals for the first time in a decade. But how far can they go? Four former greats of the club have their say on the biggest keys to September success.
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The Brisbane Lions can go all the way.
The optimism and excitement about Brisbane’s return to the finals for the first time in a decade is hitting fever pitch, and no one has been more swept up in the Lions’ return to September than the heroes of the last golden era.
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Former captains Simon Black, Luke Power, Chris Johnson and fan favourite Jason Akermanis are Lions royalty.
They know what it takes to climb football’s Everest, and all believe this Brisbane side can do it.
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Between them they can boast 12 premierships, 86 finals, two Brownlow medals, a Norm Smith medal, 10 All-Australian selections, five club championships, and 1213 games.
All four have closely watched the Lions’ rise under Chris Fagan and we asked them if Brisbane could win their fourth flag and who was their favourite player.
CHRIS JOHNSON
HOW FAR CAN THEY GO?
All the way. There is no reason why they can’t. They have shown they have been able to mix it with the best. When everyone chips in they are pretty good. I like that they have an even balance in terms of scoreboard contribution.
WHAT HAS TO GO RIGHT?
They have to keep a level head. And they have to keep believing in the system and the structure. Believing in what has worked in the past for them and what has got them to where they are now. That means everyone just doing their job, which has been the basis of what they have achieved so far this season
WHO IS THE KEY PLAYER?
The Big O (Oscar McInerny) is the key. It has been shown within finals series you need a goalkicking ruckman and he has proven he can do that, as well as doing his job in the ruck. I think he has flown under the radar a bit and gets underestimated by oppositions. And ruckmen have always been a big thing within the Lions’ framework.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER?
I love the way Hugh McCluggage goes about it. It is hard to believe he is only in his third year. His skills and his ability to run and carry are tremendous and his decision making is elite. I don’t think I’ve seen a third year player have an impact on a team like he has.
LUKE POWER
HOW FAR CAN THEY GO?
They have got two (home) finals, they could potentially go all the way. The best thing about last week was they got a good look at the MCG, they didn’t get blown away, and they hung in there. They would take away a lot from that. I can only see positives from last week’s loss, so why not?
WHAT HAS TO GO RIGHT?
It always helps to have your best players available and that is the biggest thing that has gone right for them this season, which is a credit to the organisation and how the place has been managed. I look back to when we were doing well and that was really important. On the field it is about making the right decisions and I have been really impressed by them in that area. They know when to play fast and when to take the sting out of the game, and that will be crucial in finals.
WHO IS THE KEY PLAYER?
It is Charlie Camreon at the moment, he is the one who is hitting the scoreboard. And if one of the key forwards can stand up and have a good series alongside him, that helps. But the reason they are going so well is they have good players right across the park. The one thing about premiership sides is they get an even spread of contributions.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER?
I love Richie (Daniel Rich). He was a kid when I was there. I am very fond of him and I am glad he is starting to get some rewards for his loyalty and his efforts. He’s a laid back guy and success won’t change his personality at all. It is great to see him doing so well.
SIMON BLACK
HOW FAR CAN THEY GO?
I think it is massive having the first week at home and if they can win at home first week, I will back them to make the grand final. Once you are there, it is 50-50 isn’t it? They play a really good brand of footy. We have seen two good sides block their scoring the past two weeks but if they can fix that, they will be a chance.
WHAT HAS TO GO RIGHT?
They have had a good run with injury and that has to continue over September. And they cannot be overawed on the big stage. They must also continue to get a good spread of goal kickers. Charlie (Cameron) gets a lot of plaudits but what I have seen is the big blokes really present well, get the ball to ground, which lets the little blokes get to work.
WHO IS THE KEY PLAYER?
Harris Andrews down back is so important to the team. He is awesome. I reckon he’s the best key defender in the competition and he will be the key. With Andrews in the team they’ll know at least they have an opponent who can match it with any big forward in the finals.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER?
Mitch Robinson. I just love the way he goes about it. He has a cult following among Lions fans these days. I love the effort he gives week in and week out and what every single contest means to him. He competes to win each contest and puts his body in uncomfortable positions.
JASON AKERMANIS
HOW FAR CAN THEY GO?
All the way. They are as good as any team in it, I have no doubts. The Bulldogs a few years ago did it with a team that was as ready to go, so did Richmond, and this Brisbane side feels like that. I think they can win it.
WHAT HAS TO GO RIGHT?
Efficiency. Scoreboard pressure is going to be important for them. In games this season they have recovered from periods of poor goalkicking by getting on a roll with their accuracy. In finals they can’t afford to be inaccurate and give oppositions starts like that. The beauty is they are never out of the contest.
WHO IS THE KEY PLAYER?
I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but I think Eric Hipwood could be the man. He is young and can play a great game, and then have a couple of “almost” games. But he is also so exciting that he can also turn an average game into a great game with a little burst. If he is up and about he is so dangerous, but I reckon if he can just find a little bit more consistency he can be a massive factor.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER?
I met Lachie Neale a long time ago at a sportsman’s function and was very impressed. He had read my book but it isn’t because of that. I just discovered what a nice guy he was and he has shown what a great player he is. This is nothing against Dayne Beams, but there is no doubt we have done well out of him going out and Neale coming in.
Originally published as Brisbane greats weigh in on why the Lions can go all the way this finals series
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