The Brisbane Lions' coaching staff hope the players can learn from the bitter disappointment they felt after Saturday’s loss.
“The important thing is we have to learn from these, there’s been more than a handful of games where we haven’t been able to get over the line in the close ones,” Hudson told lions.com.au.
“We had some really productive discussions about it and we’ll learn and take the opportunity the next time it arises.”
Not to forget though, is how much the Lions have narrowed the margin against North. The Kangaroos have dominated Brisbane recently, winning the past five games by an average of 59 points.
On Saturday afternoon, North led by 24 points early in the final term, but an exceptional final quarter saw the Lions fight back but ultimately fall three points short.
The margin isn’t the only thing that’s improved since Round 11. The Lions midfield won the clearance battle by 14 and also toppled North in the inside 50 count.
“In previous
“We were able to get it done but we probably didn’t get bang for our buck and scores from those stoppages, but it was certainly a step in the right direction.”
Captain Dayne Zorko was enormous, collecting 35 disposals, laying ten tackles and kicking two goals in a dominant individual display.
“Zorko been instrumental in the consistency of our side and he kept us in the game,” Hudson said.
The midfield was given first use thanks to the stellar combination of Stefan Martin and Oscar McInerney in the ruck.
“We tried to tag team Todd with Stef and Big O and it worked,” Hudson said.
“It kept both
“We might do it again in upcoming weeks obviously with [Brodie] Grundy coming up.”
Hudson was also impressed with Brandon Starcevich’s debut game.
The 19-year-old was drafted to the Lions at pick 18 in last year’s AFL Draft and finished the game with nine disposals and five tackles.
“Like all young men, he was a little nervous early on but as the game progressed you saw his ability to be strong in the contest and clean at ground level,” he said.
“I think he took a really good step and he’ll build a lot of confidence from his first hit out."
The Lions will take on Collingwood for the second time this season on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.
The first clash, in Round 7, was a thriller with Dayne Beams levelling the scores with two minutes to play.
But the Pies sealed a last-gasp win through the boot of youngster Jaidyn Stephenson.
“We’ve got to learn from Round 7 because we had our opportunities,” Hudson said.
“We get a chance on Saturday night in front of a hostile crowd at Etihad Stadium.
“I think we’ll do our best and hopefully steal the four points and come home to finish the season strong.”
