Brisbane Lions Assistant Coach Murray Davis says the Lions will take valuable learnings away from Saturday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs.
The Club’s future was on show, with Brisbane not only taking it up to the reining premiers, but getting on top of the Bulldogs in some aspects of the game.
“For us (the game showed) our good is good enough,” said Davis.
“Hopefully we showed all our members, supporters and people who got to the game that we can really compete with the best. What we did take out of the game is that the best do it for long enough and we weren’t able to do that – so that was a real learning experience for us.”
Davis said the game was not only a valuable learning experience, but also showcased the development of the Lions’ emerging group.
Lewis Taylor (22 disposals), Daniel McStay (12 disposals) and Hugh McCluggage (15 disposals) impressed throughout the day while Brisbane had strong leadership from more experienced players in Dayne Zorko (32 disposals, two goals), Dayne Beams (36 disposals) and Mitch Robinson (21 disposals).
Player of the Round: Dayne Zorko
“Development comes in all different shapes and sizes and age. We had six 19-year-olds out there (against the Bulldogs), but (the match) will also aid in the development of our senior players and the learnings they will take out of that as well,” said Davis.
“You’re always developing and we feel like that game provided a lot of that for us.”
The Lions’ NEAFL side will go into their bye round undefeated after winning their first four matches.
“There is great pressure on the guys to perform each week. That’s what we’re about – improvement and continual growth and that’s what we’re getting from everyone on our list at the moment.”