Chris Fagan says Giants’ tough finals run will toll in Grand Final

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has seen both Grand Final teams up close in recent weeks and says Richmond superstar Dustin Martin could be the difference on Saturday.

Richmond star Dustin Martin kicks at goal. Pic: Michael Klein

Lions coach Chris Fagan predicts fatigue from GWS’s tough run to the Grand Final will contribute to a Tigers premiership.

The recently crowned coach of the year admits to frustration ahead of the decider knowing Brisbane had chances against both Grand Final teams in their finals losses.

Richmond and GWS were the only two sides to beat the Lions after the mid-season bye as they went on a nine-game winning streak that included victories over finalists Geelong, the Bulldogs and Giants.

Fagan does not see a major talent advantage to Richmond, despite the Tigers beating the Lions by 27 points in Round 23 and 47 points in the qualifying final.

“Grand Finals are hard to pick, I think Richmond are favourites because GWS have used a lot of energy to get there,’’ he said.

“Close games can forge you in a way, but to play in two in a row that went right down to the wire, I think it will have an impact.

“It looked in the final quarter against Collingwood like it was starting to take its toll on them.

“Richmond got off to a slow start against Geelong after the week off but managed to get it together and I think they are like a racehorse who will be better for the run.’’

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Marcus Adams competes with Dustin Martin in the qualifying final.

Fagan puts less emphasis on the Tigers’ Grand Final experience, saying although the Giants haven’t made it to a decider before, their run of four preliminary finals means they are finals hardened and won’t be daunted by the occasion.

He has worked alongside the two coaches, the Tigers’ Damien Hardwick and Leon Cameron of GWS, while at Hawthorn and believes both have game plans that can claim the premiership.

They key, he said, like most Grand Finals, was which side could play to their strengths while limiting the opposition’s.

He sees similarities in their strengths, with both clubs boasting big forwards and defences that are good at winning the ball back.

The game will be decided between the arcs.

“GWS are a super talented side. Their biggest thing is to win the territory battle by winning the contested ball. That is their one-wood and they do it really well,’’ he said.

“Richmond score very well from centre bounces and that will be very important to them.’’

Fagan reckons the danger man is Dusty Martin.

Brisbane tagged Martin in their final at the Gabba only for the Brownlow Medallist to move forward and kick six goals in a matchwinning performance.

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There is much speculation and anticipation the Giants will send shutdown master Matt De Boer to the 2017 Norm Smith medallist but Fagan believes that could backfire because of the Tigers’ ability to find space during handovers when he switches from the midfield to forward.

He said the Tigers’ should pay close attention to Lachie Whitfield.

Brisbane tagged Whitfield to great effect in their final and it almost secured them a victory.

Fagan hoped watching the Grand Final would propel his side to work even harder over the upcoming pre-season.

“It tells us how close we were but it is also a bit frustrating too because we had our moments against both of those teams,’’ he said.

“In the end it will be good learning.’’

Originally published as Chris Fagan says Giants’ tough finals run will toll in Grand Final