Assistant Coach Murray Davis says the Brisbane Lions’ young and emerging group will take valuable lessons out of Saturday's 45-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG, in which the team fielded a total of 15 players under the age of 22.
The Lions played their best football in a third-quarter fightback, cutting the margin to 10 points before their more experienced opponents were able to take control of the game, 18.21 (129) to 13.6 (84).
“We took some good learnings out of the match,” said Davis.
“Our good is good enough, we just haven’t been able to sustain it and that’s what good sides do. That’s what we’re aiming to improve on and being able to do it for longer.”
Davis said the experience of playing on the biggest stage of them all, the MCG, will benefit the group.
“It’s the home of footy, it’s where finals are played and that’s what we’re aiming to be – a team that plays in finals regularly,” said Davis.
“It may seem a long way away but that’s where we’re aiming to be – there on the biggest stage.
“It was a great experience for our young, emerging group.”
The Lions have a bye this week before they head into the second half of the season.
“It’s about continual improvement. We’ve really worked hard on finding little wins along the way and celebrating them.
“That’s important for us when you don’t have a lot of wins on the board.”