The Lions have been competitive in each of their opening two matches against AFL heavyweights Hawthorn and Geelong, however momentary lapses of concentration have ultimately proved the difference between winning and losing.
In fact, the Lions are the most outscored side in ‘red time’ so far this season.
They have conceded 12.15 (87) after the umpire has blown ‘time on’ and managed to score just 5.6 (36) themselves – a differential of 51 points across two matches.
This was most evident last Sunday at the Gabba when the Lions worked hard to gain control of the match during the second term, only to concede three goals in the final minutes leading up to half-time.
It proved soul-destroying for the players, who had fought hard all quarter to maintain an advantage, only to see their lead whittled away in minutes.
The same happened against Hawthorn in Round One when the Lions edged to within two points midway through the third quarter, only to have the margin extended back out to 25 by the final break.
It’s a problem that Lions Assistant Coach Shane Woewodin and his coaching staff are hoping to solve before Saturday’s QClash against the Gold Coast.
“(Geelong) kicked three goals within a minute (late in the second term), so rather than going into half-time 10 points up, we went in 10 points down,” Woewodin told LIONS TV as part of the Vero Coaches Wrap.
“That red time issue raised its head again.
“It’s been a problem in the past here in Brisbane, and will certainly be addressed again during the week to rectify it going forward.”
While the Lions currently have the worst score differential in time on periods, Gold Coast hasn’t been much better.
In fact, the SUNS have scored just 3.4 (22) and conceded 10.5 (65) in red time this season for a differential of minus 43 points – the second worst in the AFL.
So when the two sides meet at Metricon Stadium this Saturday, those final minutes at the end of each quarter will be even more critical.
Best ‘red time’ teams (score differential in brackets)
1. West Coast (+60)
2. Port Adelaide (+47)
=3. Hawthorn (+44)
=3. Fremantle (+44)
Worst ‘red time’ teams (by score differential)
1. Brisbane Lions (-51)
2. Gold Coast (-43)
3. Adelaide (-37)
