The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of players and supporters at our final NAB Challenge clash against the GWS Giants at Metricon Stadium yesterday.
When the skies opened up during outside warm-up, it seemed a case of déjà vu for the Lions camp following last week’s wash out in Mackay.
“It would’ve been nice to have a dry run today but the deck out here at Metricon drains that well,” Brisbane Lions Vice-Captain Daniel Merrett told LionsTV post-match.
“We ended up getting a reasonable run under our legs – for a lot of us it was our first run so we’ll be fresh going into Round 1.
"I think we are better for the run, (there were) definitely a lot of positives to come out of it but with every game, there’s also things to work on."
Missing out on last week’s match could have hindered the team’s pre-season conditioning ahead of the season proper but there were a few notable standouts within the group.
Dayne Zorko had an excellent showing, finishing with 25 disposals and 13 tackles, while Daniel Rich had 28, kicked a supergoal and set up two other goals.
"I think there were times when the boys were cracking in… I thought Dan McStay did a good job in defence on Jeremy Cameron."
“And some of the tackling was awesome - Dayne Zorko's tackling was a highlight today."
Yet, despite the rain and injury toll, the discovery of a Dan Merrett cheer squad had the place talking as they followed Merrett to each end of the field for each quarter.
"That was one of the most random things I’ve ever been in,” Merrett said post-match.
"I saw the boys behind the goals and they were shouting out to a few boys… I gave them a thumbs up at half time and, because they got a bit of response, they just started lifting.
You may not have been at our game yesterday but you probably heard about the Merrett Mob... Or Sauce Squad? They got around Daniel Merrett post-game and it left us wanting more!
Posted by Brisbane Lions on Sunday, March 13, 2016
“There weren't many people at the ground and so you could definitely hear them… They’re good lads and they were very vocal.
“And then I thought 'geez if I start getting beaten here, I’m in a bit of strife' so it actually drove me to perform today,” Merrett laughed.
The boys will take a three-day break this week before they get back into training ahead of our Round 1 match against the West Coast Eagles in Perth on Sunday 27 March.
"I think there’s a good feeling around the group and we’ll be prepared Round 1.”
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