Brisbane Lions NEAFL Development Coach Zane Littlejohn said the side are letting themselves down with their ball use, after losing to the Sydney Swans in Blacktown on the weekend.

The Lions had more possessions for the game and four more inside 50s but failed to convert, eventually going down 7.9 (51) to 12.8 (80). 

“We had more of the footy, more inside 50s but again our ball use…we just weren’t smart with how we did it,” Littlejohn told lions.com.au.

“Our forwards and our midfielders probably didn’t work hard enough to get out and create which would have allowed our ball movement to be smarter.

 “It's always tough against the Swans regardless of where we’re at."

The Swans scored 61 of their points from Lions' turnovers, with the majority of the damage done in the second and third quarters. The Lions won the first and last quarters.  

Liam Dawson was a star performer for the Lions with 32 disposals and 14 intercept possessions. Ben Keays was also strong with 28 touches and eight inside 50s. 

"Liam wasn't happy with his game the week before so it was positive for him to be able to bounce back and perform."

"That was a really elite game from a defender. It's about keeping things simple for him."

Sam Skinner (12 disposals) and Toby Wooller (14 disposals) continued their solid returns to playing. 

“Both are really starting to find their feet."

“We started to see Toby get out and create a bit more…he started to show some real promise there [playing on the wing].

“The more they play, the more they’ll show that.

“It’s not rocket science out there, if you work hard and you’re willing to do the simple things well you’ll be rewarded."

The Lions take on the ladder-leading Southport this Saturday at Fankhauser Reserve at 12pm. 

“They’re flying at the moment. They’ve played some good footy across the whole year."

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for our guys."