The Brisbane Lions have no concerns about its form entering the premiership season despite losing both of its JLT Community Series matches, says veteran
The Lions were easily accounted for by Sydney and were then edged out in a slog against Gold Coast on Sunday, leaving them winless entering Round 1.
They were also met with inclement weather – strong wind and heavy rain – that will be the total opposite of playing St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on March 24.
But speaking at the Club's season launch on Tuesday night, Rich told AFL.com.au there was enough to like from the Lions' two hit-outs.
"At the end of the day it's the pre-season competition, it's about getting right for Round 1 and the season ahead, so we're not too fussed at all," he said.
"A lot of our indicators were green as opposed to red, so you take the positives out of them rather than the scoreboard."
Those positives included matching the Swans in contested football and outdoing them in clearances.
Against the
Brisbane was also incorporating new faces Luke Hodge, Charlie Cameron and number one draft pick Cam Rayner and were without skipper Dayne Beams for both matches.
Hodge was a fan favourite at the season launch, joking that Brisbane people were much easier to deal with on the street than those from Melbourne.
Rich, who is entering his 10th season and coming off one of the best years of his career, said playing in trying conditions would not be a hindrance when it was time to face the Saints.
"We've done a lot of match practice in good conditions over the pre-season," he said.
"A couple of practice matches in average conditions isn't going to change too much, it will hopefully only benefit us.
"We'll have more confidence in hitting our kicks. It's always nice to get to Etihad on the nice quick deck. We're looking forward to that."
