A loss is never nice, but the Brisbane Lions NEAFL side’s tight defeat at the hands of the Gold Coast SUNS on the weekend could be a positive.

The loss ended the Lions 10-match winning streak, but Head of Development Scott Borlace said the Lions will be better for the experience heading into the finals.

“We were pretty disappointed after the game to lose by seven points,” Borlace said. 

“They had a really strong midfield that won the midfield battle on the day.

“You learn more from your losses than from your wins. There were a few things we were taking liberties with – when you win 10 in a row that can sometimes happen. 

“It’s a good opportunity for us to resharpen our focus and get our structures right heading into the finals. We will be better for it.” 

The Lions were down to two rotations in the final quarter, and despite hitting the lead late, they couldn’t hold on for the win.

A positive from the match was the strong form of Lions Academy players Connor Ballenden and Campbell Walker.

“Connor’s been really good for us the last couple of weeks. We’ve been playing him down back,” Borlace said.

“He’s been playing with really good energy and intensity. He provides a good contest and uses the ball well.

“Campbell is one of our favorites, he’s clean with the footy and has really good hands in traffic.” 

The Lions remain second on the ladder heading into the final round of the season this weekend, and a win against the bottom-placed GWS Giants will secure a week off and a home preliminary final. 

“We want to play our way and we think it will be hard for them to match our way, but we have to respect what they bring,” Borlace.