The Brisbane Lions held their final training session today before flying out to Adelaide for Sunday’s match against the Crows.
The game shapes as an important one for the Lions as they look to kick-start their fledgling season.
Kieran Marsh reports.
TRANSCRIPT
The mood has certainly lifted at the GABBA following the breakthrough victory over the Kangaroos.
While coach Michael Voss is arguably the most relieved the players admit it was nice to get the monkey off their backs.
Joel Patfull, Brisbane Lions defender: “Obviously the boys were pretty happy to get a win. It’s taken a bit longer than we would have liked but it’s back to normal this week.”
The win also marked the return of Captain Jonathan Brown and Patfull says his influence on the side is invaluable.
Joel Patfull, Brisbane Lions defender; “It’s always good to have Browny back there it gives that presence that we all know and we all see. He’s pulled up pretty well and he’s ready to go this week.”
The Lions face an Adelaide side fresh from a hard fought loss to premiership pacesetters Collingwood.
But despite their mixed start to the season Patfull says the Crows will prove a difficult assignment.
Joel Patfull, Brisbane Lions defender: “I thought they played really well, they pressured Collingwood and they really slowed them down . For three quarters they played great footy so we’re going to have a big challenge this week.”
The Lions will look to build some momentum when they tackle the Crows following their first win of the season last weekend. To do so, they’ll have to overcome their curse at Adelaide’s AAMI stadium where they haven’t won a game since 2005.
Originally from Adelaide himself Patfull concedes it’s one of the more challenging road trips in the competition.
Challenging, but not impossible.
Joel Patfull, Brisbane Lions defender: “It’s always tough but just getting that energy and enthusiasm around the group. I think it starts with that, plenty of energy and get off to a good start and get the crowd out of the equation.”
First bounce is at 12:40 on Sunday afternoon.
Kieran Marsh, QUT news.