Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan calls for improvement from his side ahead of top-of-the-table battle with Collingwood

The Brisbane Lions have been in winning form, but coach Chris Fagan believes more will be needed to beat Collingwood.

Chris Fagan wants improvement from his Brisbane Lions team. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the Lions must improve on their recent form – despite being in “good shape” – if they are to beat Collingwood in Friday night’s top-of-the-table AFL showdown at Marvel Stadium.

While the second-placed Lions will be chasing a hat-trick of wins and a fourth victory in five matches when they meet the competition-leading Magpies, Fagan wants more from Brisbane.

The Lions’ past three wins have all been by less than 10 points and all against teams that aren’t in the top eight.

“I feel like the last few weeks we’ve played 65 to 70 per cent of the game where we've played really well, and we’ve just had some quiet patches,” Fagan said.

“We just need a bit more consistency with what we’re doing across the four quarters, understanding though that in these games where teams are desperate, there are always momentum swings.

“It’s first versus second, two weeks before the finals – there’s a fair bit at stake.

“We’ve found a way to win the last couple of weeks, but obviously we need to improve our form … but we’re in good shape going into the game.”

Chris Fagan (right) and the Brisbane Lions are preparing for their battle with Collingwood. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Lions have already cemented a top-four berth, but should they beat Collingwood for a second time this season it will go a long way towards securing a top-two spot, which will guarantee them two finals series matches at the Gabba, where they are yet to lose this season.

“It’s more important that you’re playing your best (going into the finals), but I’ve always said we want to finish as high as we can,” Fagan said.

“It’s a great effort by the boys. It’s the fourth time in five years we’ve finished in the top four where you get the double chance. That’s the main priority at the start of the year.

“There’s a top-two spot up for grabs. If we can get it, we’re going to go after it.

“We’d be pretty keen to get it, but if we don’t, it won’t be the be all and end all either, which I’ve said many times.”

The Lions are expected to welcome back defender Keidean Coleman on Friday night but will be without experienced forward Jack Gunston, who faces a battle to return before the end of the season after injuring his knee in Brisbane’s six-point win over Adelaide last Saturday at the Gabba.

“He’s in a brace at the moment … so he’s not only going to have to get out of that brace but start to train and start to move before we can consider him,” Fagan said.

“With Jack, he’ll give himself every chance to be OK later on, once we get to finals.”

Originally published as Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan calls for improvement from his side ahead of top-of-the-table battle with Collingwood