Chris Fagan has warned Brisbane cannot simply expect another response at the Gabba after their 53-point qualifying-final defeat by Sydney, insisting that relying on past comebacks would repeat the mistake that contributed to last week’s collapse.
The Lions face Adelaide in a semi-final on Saturday night, having been comprehensively outplayed by an under-strength Swans side at the SCG. Brisbane had won 10 of their previous 11 matches before the defeat.
Fagan’s side recovered from a 38-point qualifying-final loss to Geelong last year before going on to win the premiership, but the coach stressed that history offered no guarantee of another turnaround.
“It gives you confidence but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen,” Fagan said. “That’s what we have to make sure of next week, that we leave nothing to chance, that our attitude and mindset is spot on, because it clearly wasn’t tonight.”
The Lions were beaten in the key areas of centre bounce, stoppage work and rebound from defence against Sydney. Lachie Neale was restricted to 18 disposals, while Charlie Cameron and Kai Lohmann failed to score.
Brisbane have already defeated Adelaide at the Gabba this season, winning 127-75 in April. The Crows conceded their highest score and suffered their heaviest defeat of the campaign in that meeting, but arrive in Brisbane after securing their first finals victory since 2017 against the Western Bulldogs.
Fagan said Brisbane now had no alternative but to take the difficult route to a potential third successive premiership.
“The only way we can do it now is the hard way. We have no other choice, the ball is in our players’ court,” he said. “How badly do they want it? We’ll see next week.”
