After conceding 41 points in the first quarter of Saturday’s QClash match against the Gold Coast SUNS, the Brisbane Lions managed to restrict their arch rivals to just 43 points over the next three quarters.

Backline Coach Murray Davis was happy with how the team adapted at quarter time and were able to turn the tide. 

“I thought the boys got back to doing what we do best. They won the contested ball and built our game on that,” Davis said.

“We needed to get our hands on the footy and build our game offensively on the back of winning our contests. We needed to tighten that area up and we did that well.” 

SUNS forward Jack Martin caused plenty of grief in the first quarter, kicking three majors in five minutes, and he could have easily had more if not for inaccurate kicking and dropped marks.

Martin’s form caused Davis to reshuffle the backline matchups.

“Nick Robertson went to Martin after quarter time and I thought Nick did a really good job to quell his influence because he was giving us some headaches early,” Davis said.

Davis was pleased with the decision making and skills the team showed for the majority of the QClash victory.

“It’s something that the group has been working really hard on – sharpening up that side of our game,” Davis said. 

“It’s the fundamentals, so it’s something we need to do really well.

“Hopefully we can continue to make improvements in that area.”

The Melbourne Demons big forward line will be a challenge for the Lions young backline this weekend, but Davis thinks the Lions have the backline to match them.

“Hopefully the ball isn’t in the Demons forward line much, that would be a great start,” Davis said. 

“I think we’ve got a pretty diverse backline group that can play tall and small so that will be the challenge. Certainly putting pressure on the ball will help in that area.”