IT'S MORE than just a lack of fitness that is hurting the Brisbane Lions in final terms, says coach Justin Leppitsch.
In the past three weeks the Lions have either led or narrowly trailed at three-quarter time before being overrun (by Adelaide, Fremantle and the Sydney Swans).
In those matches the Lions have conceded 15 goals and kicked just one in the final term.
It’s a theme that has plagued the Lions throughout the year. They have won just three final quarters for the season to rank last alongside Essendon.
Leppitsch said fitness for his young team was a factor, but it was more than that.
"It's usually fitness or leadership, and it could be a bit of both," he said.
"Fitness at times because Harris Andrews has had only one pre-season and not four or five.
"When you say fitness it doesn't just mean someone can't run, maybe they're not ready for the rigours of four quarters of AFL footy.
"The other part is leadership.
"If you have young men, they can't organise themselves quickly for long periods of time, they get disorganised around stoppages and things like that.
"That's a sign of leadership, which again could be an age issue, or a bunch of older players that aren't delivering on those leadership issues."
Last week against the Swans, the Lions fielded one of their most experienced teams for the season, with nine players boasting 100 games of experience or more.
Leppitsch said Sunday's match against Melbourne presented his team with its best chance in a month to win.
"Just on ladder positioning, of course," he said.
"The three previous teams are in the top eight, Melbourne are outside it, a bit like us. Just on those factors alone it makes it a bit more winnable.
"It should be an exciting game. They were really good last week, just inaccurate."
Former Demon Stefan Martin will return for the Lions after missing two weeks through suspension.
