Lions great Jason Akermanis says Brisbane’s lack of pace is a problem

The Lions need to be quicker if they are to contend for the AFL premiership, according to a Brisbane legend.

The Lions are sweating on the fitness of Zac Bailey. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Lions great Jason Akermanis says Brisbane’s narrow loss to Richmond is not the “end of the world” but admits the absence of Zac Bailey could harm the club’s premiership chances.

The Lions have been savaged after giving up a 42-point lead on Sunday to lose by seven points to the Tigers at the MCG.

It was Brisbane’s 11th successive loss at the home of football in a barren spell at the venue dating back to 2014.

And while the Lions remain in the hunt for a top-four berth with three rounds of the regular season remaining, many have written off their flag hopes following Sunday’s defeat.

Akermanis’ triple premiership-winning Brisbane teammate, former defender Mal Michael, was particularly brutal on social media in pointing out the Lions’ problems.

“I’ll say it again and keep saying it until it sinks in. Brisbane can’t defend!!! Without a defensive mindset, they will unravel against the better teams (finals). Defence wins premierships,” Michael tweeted.

I'll say it again and keep saying it until it sinks in.
Brisbane can't defend!!!
Without a defensive mindset, they will unravel against the better teams (finals).
Defence wins premierships.#AFLTigersLions@FOXFOOTY#AFL

— Mal Michael (@malcolmmichael) July 31, 2022

Akermanis admitted the performance of Brisbane’s “defensive six” was concerning, particularly if Keidean Coleman wasn’t fully fit.

“Kiddy Coleman, when he’s fit and firing, he’s such a star – they’ve always needed skilful, quick halfback flankers,” Akermanis said.

“He’s so important to them, but he’s coming back from a soft tissue injury. He’s had a few of them this year.”

However, Akermanis said the Lions’ “biggest issue” was a lack of speed, which is why Zac Bailey’s kidney injury is of particular concern.

Midfielder Bailey spent Sunday night in hospital in Melbourne after suffering a blow to his kidney during Sunday’s second quarter at the MCG.

Without Bailey, the Lions faded badly in the second half as the Tigers stormed home to win and keep their top-eight hopes alive.

“Once Zac Bailey goes down, that really limits their ability. They’re a better team when Zac Bailey’s in the middle and around the stoppages because of his pace,” Akermanis said.

“We’re not seeing enough quick, skilful guys who are in the middle. Lachie Neale tends to stay in there all the time, but if he’s getting heavily tagged, they need another option in there.”

Bailey, who was coughing up blood after a clash with the Tigers’ Marlion Pickett, flew to Brisbane on Monday after scans cleared him of a serious injury.

However, it’s unknown whether he will be fit for Brisbane’s battle with Carlton at the Gabba on Sunday.

Provided the speed problems were rectified, Akermanis said there was still time for the Lions to regroup and be a premiership threat in next month’s finals series

He didn’t believe in suggestions of a MCG hoodoo.

“As far as the weekend goes, it was Richmond at home, at the MCG, and the boys had a chance to win and missed a couple of sitters – it’s not the end of the world,” Akermanis said.

“The boys have played some good footy there. I don’t think it’s a huge concern.”