But their inaccuracy in front of goal has plagued them, leaving fans to bemoan what might have been had they possessed the sharp-shooting of their forthcoming rivals.
The Brisbane Lions forward line, including Joe Daniher, have been bemoaned for their inaccuracy in 2024.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
No side has kicked more behinds than Brisbane, and while they lead the AFL for total shots, they are the third-most ineffective side in front of the sticks (46.4 per cent).
By contrast, only the Kangaroos better the Giants (54.4 per cent), and GWS’s most recent win over the Lions – kicking 13.4 to 8.16 – highlighted how even when they are largely outplayed, that can prove the difference.
But according to three-time premiership-winning Hawthorn captain, Luke Hodge, what needed to change was how Brisbane hunted their chances.
Only Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs have produced fewer goal assists among the top eight sides than Brisbane, and Hodge believed they needed to adopt a more selfless approach.
“Are they getting opportunities? Yes they are, they’re playing a quality style of football which has given them an opportunity to hit the scoreboard,” Hodge said.
“It’s more the composure, not forcing the issue if a teammate’s in a better position. We know they’re going to get the ball inside 50 50-odd times, and the forward line they have is a quality line-up.
“As long as they’re trying to set up teammates and make each other better, that’s what gives them the best opportunity to kick a better score.”
Keeping the Giants’ juggernaut at bay
Should the Giants gain the ascendancy, Brisbane’s backline will need to produce their finest performance of the season.
But it’s a unit yet to have its final make up cemented, following Jack Payne’s knee injury.
Jack Payne is assessed after he suffers a knee injury against the Blues.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The key defender was subbed out of the elimination final triumph of Carlton, his first appearance after a long lay-off due to bone stress in his foot, and he trained with a knee brace this week.
However, Fagan was “optimistic” the 24-year-old – who missed last year’s grand final with an ankle issue – would line up, which would pit him against Coleman Medal winner Hogan.
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“The scan showed minimal damage, so we’ll just see how we go. You need to be at 90 per cent, most guys probably hover around that most weeks – I don’t know too many blokes who go on the field that are 100, especially this time of year,” Fagan said.
“He’s had a pretty ordinary run with injuries, particularly this time of year, so it’s a priority of his, but I know that Jack won’t tell us a few porkies just so he can play.”
But Fagan stressed keeping the Giant’s attacking arsenal at bay would take more than his backline stepping up. Rather, it would hinge on the men up field.
Where GWS have led the competition for tackles, the Lions sit in 17th, however they are the most effective intercept marking team remaining in the league (equal-second overall).
The pressure game they unlocked against the Blues – the first time they won the tackle count in two months – must remain to prevent the Giants from unleashing their weapons up front.
The Giants’ Jesse Hogan claimed the Coleman Medal for the most goals in the 2024 season.Credit: Getty Images
“It doesn’t always come down to a one-on-one match-up, it comes down to how the ball’s coming into the forward line,” Fagan said.
“If we can make it difficult for them to move the ball from stoppage and from back half, then that will limit [Hogan’s] opportunities. It’s more on how the team goes about defending.”