FootyGoss :: All the Latest AFL and WAFL Breaking News

Can Brisbane end a 5 year drought?

By Ryan Hadji

It doesn’t matter who you are, every team has a bogey side. Brisbane has a great record against Collingwood, but really struggle against Sydney. The Lions haven’t defeated the Swans since Round 1 2004. In their last 9 encounters, the Swans have won 8, with the other match a draw. Brisbane hasn’t managed to kick more than 11 goals in their last 10 matches against Sydney.

If the Lions were to end this disastrous record, they have to start strongly. In both matches this season, they’ve trailed at the main break. A 9 goal third term set up a come from behind win against West Coast, and last week’s 6 goal third quarter reduced the margin in their loss to Carlton. They won’t play finals footy if they only show up in the 2nd half, good sides will expose this.

Lions assistant coach Justin Leppitsch believes the new game plan under Michael Voss will be the key to beating the Swans “It’s a new game plan … we’ve got a new coach and we’ve changed our game plan considerably because of that” Leppitsch said. “I think they’re elite at that competitive, one-on-one style of game and I think last week proved – when they started to get back to the old Sydney game of clamping down – they become a very good side.”

The game will be won in the middle. In their past 5 clashes, Darren Jolly is averaging 23 hit-outs; additionally he’s one of the in-form ruckman averaging 35 hit-outs and 14 disposals this season. It’s time for Jaime Charman to pull one out of the bag; he struggles against Jolly but needs to make an impact along with Leuenberger and Clark. If Brisbane dominate in the ruck, they’ll be tough to beat.

Jarred McVeigh has been on fire this season averaging 24 disposals and if the Lions can shut him down then effectively their taking run out of the Swans midfield. Adam Goodes is another player who’s been on song for the Swans this season, averaging 22 touches and two goals, always tough to match up on, his versatility will make life hard for the home side.

Younger, faster and more exciting the lions have one the most balanced midfields in the competition. Luke Power’s has been instrumental so far this season averaging 34 touches, Travis Johnstone thriving under Voss racking up 26 a week, Brad Dalziell brilliant as always with 24, and a superstar in the making West Aussie Daniel Rich just keeps getting better.

The Swans were great last week against the Reining Premiers, Brisbane hasn’t set the world on fire with their form this season but I’m expecting this to be a tight game. For the lions to win they need 2 things- play 4 quarters and win in the ruck, do that and there midfield will run over the top of the Swans. I’m tipping Brisbane to break their drought against the Swans, and get home in a thriller.