Instead, the Lions players are using it as a learning tool to help bridge the gap between them and the competition’s elite.
Midfielder Tom Rockliff said the Swans certainly gave his team a valuable lesson in dealing with Finals-like pressure and intensity.
“I thought we scrapped pretty well for the first 10-15 minutes, but as the game wore on they got on top and we didn’t handle their pressure well enough,” Rockliff said.
“We have to learn from that, and learn how to stem another side’s flow when they get momentum.”
“I thought we fought back pretty well in that last quarter and showed a bit of courage.”
Recent evidence would suggest the gulf that currently separates the Lions from the top echelon of AFL teams is gradually closing - with a recent win over top four aspirants West Coast proving the catalyst to restoring belief among the Club’s relatively young and inexperienced list.
Now, as the Lions prepare to host legitimate 2012 Finals contenders St Kilda at the Gabba this Saturday night, the Club will once again have an opportunity to test how far they have come over the past 12 months.
“It’s a massive game for the footy club,” he said.
“If we want to take the next step forward, these are the types of games we need to win. It could really set up our second half of the year.”
“Obviously the Saints are in pretty good nick at the moment and they were up and about last week. So we’ve got to come out early and fight and scrap and make sure we’re in the game at half time and build from there.”
