Brisbane had been ruled out in some quarters as a genuine premiership threat after a poor month that had lacked energy and missed the hallmarks of a top-four team.

But a dominant second term against Fremantle on Sunday saw the Lions re-stake their claim as a contender and remind themselves of what's required at this stage of the season.

Having relied heavily on stoppages as a score source this season, the Lions brought a suffocating level of pressure to Optus Stadium and feasted on turnovers in the manner of a successful finals team.

07:55

Last Time We Met: Fremantle

Take a look back at the last time we met Fremantle in Round 21 2021.

They out-tackled the Dockers 27-7 in the second quarter, despite winning significantly more of the ball (103-72), and led the indicator 41-17 at half time.

The result was a four-goal run, with all of their majors resulting from pressure and turnovers up the ground. It was a warning to the rest of the competition that the Lions have adapted and are making the right tweaks ahead of finals.

It all stemmed from positive reinforcement while in quarantine and some pointed reminders about what they are capable of, according to coach Chris Fagan.

08:13

Fagan Press Conference: Round 21

Chris Fagan after a good win against Fremantle.

Fagan said the Lions had used their week to build the players' confidence and he was pleased to see the team produce a style of football that will hold up in finals.

"It was just reminding the boys of the performances they are actually capable of, going back to some of our better games of the year and looking at vision from those games," Fagan said on Sunday night.

"We've taken the positive pathway this week to build our guys up, remind them what we're capable of and encourage them to bring it out today, which they have been able to do."

"We talked a lot about pressure during the week. We thought that part of our game had drifted a bit," Fagan said.

"They were led well in the tackling department by their captain (Dayne Zorko), who had 10 tackles for the game. He set the best example that anyone could."

00:51

Bailey Sets Up The Skipper

Zac Bailey is proving a handful in attack and sets up a goal for Dayne Zorko after some dashing moves.

Fagan praised tough midfielder Jarrod Berry for his accountable job on Dockers star Andrew Brayshaw, which he said set the Lions up for victory by limiting the midfielder's score involvements.

Wingman Mitch Robinson was a good chance to face Collingwood next week after being substituted out with calf tightness, while Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) and Lachie Neale (gastro) should also be available.