False Start
The Brisbane Lions will be rearing to go when they face Collingwood this Sunday, and not just because there’s a place in the Preliminary Final against Melbourne up for grabs.
With the game initially postponed due to a significant number of Collingwood players entering AFL Health and Safety Protocol, the Lions will reap the benefits of a 13-day break between this game and their last.
In a season that’s seen rounds compressed and teams facing tight turnarounds due to COVID-19 outbreaks across the competition, the extended pre-Finals break will be a welcome change for the Lions.
Allowing the reigning Premiers additional time to prepare for the challenge of Finals, the 13-day break is the second longest break the Lions have had between games all season, the first being a 14-day break between Rounds 1 and 3 due to AFL Health and Safety Protocols impacting the side.
Having found plenty of wins and strong performances off the break of quick turnarounds this season, there’s no knowing how well the Lions will perform with a longer break under their belt.
Last Time We Met
It’s only been seven weeks since the Lions and the Pies last met in Round 5.
On the Lions’ home deck at the Maroochydore Multi Sport Complex, the visitors were restricted to just one goal all afternoon as the Lions secured their third win in 12 days.
Gusty conditions played their part in the result, as both sides battled the elements all afternoon.
Thankfully, any wild weather conditions are one aspect of the game that’s unlikely to play a major role in Sunday’s outcome, thanks to the sheltered deck of the Gabba.
Both teams will be prepared for the pressures of an AFLW Final at the Gabba, having met in a 2021 AFLW Preliminary Final at the Gabba.
The Lions escaped a late scare from the Pies to walk away with a 4-point win and book their place in the 2021 AFLW Grand Final, where they would go on to become eventual Premiers.
If their recent history is anything to go by, Sunday’s Qualifying Final is shaping up to a tough one.
A Pressure Cooker
It’s well known within the AFLW world that the Lions are one of the best pressure sides going around.
Ranked top of the AFLW competition during the home and away season for one-percenters and clearances and second in the competition for contested possessions, the Lions know how to pile the pressure on their opponents.
While Collingwood seem to have found their rhythm in recent weeks with two strong wins over Richmond and the Western Bulldogs and a close loss to Adelaide, they’ll need to keep their cool if they want to walk away from the Gabba unscathed.
Dominating territory is a big part of the Lions pressure game, and it certainly came into play the last time these two teams met.
Recording 37 inside 50s to Collingwood’s 20, including 17 unanswered inside 50s in the second term, the Lions were able to keep the pressure on the Pies defensive half and rack up five goals to the visitors one.
If they want to book their place in the second week of AFLW Finals, the Lions will need to turn the pressure up even higher.
One thing is for sure, with a place in the Preliminary Final against Melbourne on the line both teams will be throwing absolutely everything at this one in their bid to keep their season alive.
The Brisbane Lions will play Collingwood on Sunday at 12:05PM at the Gabba. Tickets are $10 for adults, with children under 18 free. Grab yours HERE.
