But that was the case for the Brisbane Lions against a far slicker Geelong outfit in tough conditions at the Gabba last Saturday night.
The Lions were outclassed by the reigning AFL Premiers who were more fluid in their ball movement and took greater advantage of their opportunities in front of goal.
Speaking at the team’s recovery session on Sunday, Lions midfielder Daniel Rich said the Lions’ skill execution in difficult conditions proved the main difference between the two sides.
“From a stats perspective, we were quite similar,” Rich said.
“But it was more about the finishing I suppose, and the scoreboard showed the difference.”
The 2009 AFL Rising Star also said the slippery conditions forced both teams to adapt to a different style of game.
“From a contested ball perspective we did alright, but the conditions didn’t really allow us to play the way we wanted to,” Rich said.
“It was a game where we had to get back to basics, so I don’t know how much we can really take out of it.”
“It was probably one of the worst (conditions I’ve played in). The rain was just non-stop.”
“It was right up there with a game over in the West against Freo in my first or second year. There was also one against North Melbourne up here last year which was pretty wet.”
The waether won't be a factor for the Lions this Saturday when they face Essendon at Etihad Stadium. Even if the rain follows the Lions to Melbourne, Etihad Stadium’s roof will ensure that the match will still be played in near-perfect conditions.
The Lions have already secured one win in Melbourne this season, and will take great confidence into their match against the fifth-placed Bombers who will be fresh from a 10-day break.
