THROUGH the first eight rounds this season, the Brisbane Lions have been killed in 'red time', but they took steps to stop the bleeding against Essendon on Saturday night.
On at least three occasions, Lions players held the ball high above their head after taking marks late in quarters.
It was a deliberate tactic to let their teammates know to slow the play down - and it worked.
The young Lions are dead last in the competition for goals conceded after the 20-minute mark of each quarter, but there was a noticeable improvement against the Bombers.
They conceded just four goals during that period over the match – a far cry from the first seven rounds where they leaked goals like a sieve.
Small forward Josh Green said it was an area they had worked hard on over recent weeks.
"We just get scored against in that red time," he said.
"We're trying to keep the ball off the opposition so we can have a rest and keep the ball, and hopefully get it inside (50), apply the pressure and have a shot on goal."
Green was one of the Lions' best in the eight-point loss, kicking three goals and applying all sorts of pressure in the forward 50.
The 21-year-old is a barometer for the Lions with his electric pace and infectious energy.
His two third-quarter goals – one a left-foot snap in traffic and the other a right-footed banana from close range to regain the lead – had the Gabba rocking.
Green said the Lions "let one slip" against Essendon, and there was now no excuse why they couldn't continue that form for the rest of the season.
"We need to have that effort each week, we can't go up and down," he said.
"The more games we play together … we'll be better for it."
Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting https://twitter.com/AFL_mikewhiting
