Enough talk - it’s time for action.
That was the clear message that Skipper Jonathan Brown gave to his troops in the aftermath of their loss to Richmond at the Gabba on Saturday.
The Lions were dominated in clearances (51-37), inside 50s (39-63) and total disposals (307-365) in a disappointing performance.
Brown, who kicked four goals in the 48-point loss, said that the team’s performance was inexcusable.
“The pressure’s been terrible. It’s just not good enough and you can’t expect to beat sides…that are around us on the ladder, and certainly knocking on the door of the top eight,” Brown said.
“Carlton’s another opportunity this week, but there’s only so much you can talk about - you’ve got to go out and do it.”
Not singling out individual players, Brown said that everyone was responsible for lifting their game and turning the Lions’ fortunes for the last month of the season.
“Apart from your first-year guys who are just trying to find their feet out there, there’s enough guys in the side that have played their 50-plus games, so it starts with everyone,” Brown said.
“If you’ve got a couple of seasons under your belt, everyone has to stand up - from the oldest bloke to one of the younger guys.”
The Lions travel to Melbourne this week to take on Carlton on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.