FRUSTRATION has quickly turned to focus for the Brisbane women’s team going into Saturday’s AFLW grand final against Adelaide at Metricon Stadium.
The undefeated Lions may be the innocent casualties of the Gabba turf war that sent the inaugural decider to the Gold Coast but they do not intend to play victim.
Forward Kaitlyn Ashmore said the venue issue was quickly put to bed by Lions senior coach Craig Starcevich at a team meeting and the side would channel their disappointment into a positive performance against the Crows.
“It was pretty frustrating at the time because we earned the right to play on our home ground and it was only five days before the game when we found out where we were playing,’’ she said.
“The not knowing was the most frustrating thing but at the end of the day, the game is still in Queensland and we can put all of that stuff to the back of our minds and concentrate on the game which is all that matters now.
Kaitlyn Ashmore insists the team will channel their disappointment about not playing at The Gabba into a positive performance against the Crows.Source:News Corp Australia
“Starce has been really good about it. We spoke about it all and we have all moved on.’’
The most pressing concern for Ashmore and the Lions is preventing another fourth quarter fade out like the one that cost them victory against Carlton last Sunday.
“I don’t know whether it was some of the girls thinking about the grand final or not. We were on a roll and led by four goals with six minutes to play and we switched off,’’ she said.
“Everyone was disappointed. It was still a draw but it felt like a loss.
“We know Adelaide will come out really hard at us and keep it going for the full four quarters. There will be no let-up and we have to match it.’’
The Lions have also been wasteful in front of goal, with their inaccuracy keeping the Bulldogs closer than they deserved to be in Round 6 while Brisbane would have kept the Blues at bay had they kicked straight at Ikon Park.
“We have struggled a bit to use the ball once we get it into our forward line. We do have lapses but all we can do is focus on the things we do well like defensive pressure and hopefully the other things will come,’’ Ashmore said.
The Lions were forced to move last night’s training session from Yeronga to QSAC due to wet weather which could also play a role in the decider, with rain forecast for Saturday.
Originally published as Lions will not play the victim after Gabba saga
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