Much has been said about the Brisbane Lions’ new game plan over summer, and fans were able to witness it for themselves throughout the team’s three pre-season practice matches.
Mitch Golby told the Fancast on LIONS TV that the process of changing the team’s game style was difficult initially, but is becoming more finely tuned with each outing.
“It was tough because you’ve been training other habits and other ways you want to play, and then it changes and there are things that don’t come natural straight away,” Golby told Dom Fay and Michael Whiting.
“It takes repetition and plenty of practice before you become really comfortable.
“There have been a couple of times (this pre-season) when I’ve probably gone against the game plan and got on the phone straight afterwards.
“But it’s starting to feel more natural after trialling it in scratch matches and at training. We’re starting to get a few of things in place that we want to.”
Golby said the game plan demands good foot skills off half-back, which is an area of his own game that he’s trying to tidy up.
“I occasionally have the odd shocker that doesn’t go anywhere near where I’m trying to put it, which can be frustrating at times,” he said.
“They’re the sort of things I need to rectify with a game plan that requires precise kicking.
“That’s why blokes like Jed Adcock, Daniel Rich, Pearce Hanley and Ryan Harwood, who are setting the ball up from behind the play, become crucial.
“We’ve got plenty of blokes who are accurate enough kicks who can help implement the game plan.”
Practice makes perfect
Mitch Golby says the Lions' new game plan is becoming more finely tuned