BRISBANE senior coach Chris Fagan says the Lions are going through the same growing pains experienced by Hawthorn on the Hawks’ way to becoming a modern-day AFL powerhouse.
Brisbane take on the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday when club great Robert Murphy will play his 300th game for the reigning premiers.
The Lions have been highly competitive for extended periods over the first four rounds but have let themselves down with lapses midway through matches.
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Conceding four goals in a little over two minutes in the second term against Richmond last Sunday was a perfect example of how Brisbane can shoot themselves in the foot while aiming for the stars.
Fagan spent nine seasons at the Hawks in a variety of high-powered football roles when the club netted four flags.
He said Hawthorn learned from their mistakes and so would Brisbane.
Chris Fagan during his Hawthorn days. Picture: Wayne LudbeySource:News Corp Australia
Chris Fagan in his current role as Brisbane Lions coach.Source:Getty Images
“It’s not unusual. I remember going through all this stuff at Hawthorn about five or six years ago as we were striving to become a great team there,” Fagan said.
“They are just learning experiences, things that you have to go through to get better.
“Richmond kicked four goals in two minutes and 18 seconds and that was the game. We had a discussion, we looked at that two minutes and 18 seconds.
“A lot of teams have those bursts of goals kicked against them and it’s usually some of the younger teams.
“We are hopeful we will just learn from that experience.’’
Tom Bell and Rohan Bewick have been dropped from the side that fell to the Tigers while Tom Cutler is out with a hamstring injury.
Brisbane players walk off after losing to Richmond.Source:Getty Images
The trio of Liam Dawson, Ryan Harwood and Ryan Bastinac come into the senior side.
Fagan said Brisbane were braced for the best the Bulldogs could offer given Murphy’s milestone match.
“They’ll be inspired by that … they are a great team. The Bulldogs are probably not in the form they were in the finals last year but on their day they are capable of anything,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fagan threw his support behind Hawks senior coach Alastair Clarkson who is under scrutiny following the clubs’ 0-4 start. Fagan was Clarkson’s right-hand man during his time at Hawthorn.
“He’s won four premierships in case everyone has forgotten. All teams go through patches,’’ Fagan said.
“I do know a lot about that club and I do know they will bounce and when they do, everyone better watch out.
“I think it’s just an over-reaction. It hasn’t happened in such a long time … they are an easy target at the moment but Clarko is a great coach.’’
Originally published as Learning Lions remind Fagan of Hawks
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