LIONS Defensive Strategy Coach, Murray Davis is confident that the Club’s backline structure is capable of withstanding the pressure of some of the AFL’s most potent forward lines.
“One of the things we’ve tried to work on in our back six is flexibility, and we think we’re getting that at the moment.
“With Paparone, Beams, Lester and Merrett back there – they’ve certainly got that aspect (flexibility) to their game, so it’s going well.”
Davis revealed in this week’s Vero Coaches Wrap that he was impressed with the form of Daniel Rich in the opening rounds of the NAB Challenge. Rich spent the 2014 season on the sidelines as he recovered from a knee injury.
“It’s one thing to be able to defend well but you’ve also got to be able to give it some rebound and a little bit of bite off half-back and Richy’s been doing that well – working with the other guys around him.”
Davis said it was important that the team built upon the structures and combinations the coaching staff had tested in the pre-season competition.
“I think (this weekend’s game) is about continuing what we've worked on - including forward pressure but making sure we set up well behind the ball and repel any attacks”, he said.
“Gold Coast are an exciting team, they move the ball quickly and they’ve got speed as well, so that’s what I’m looking forward to seeing our boys build on in NAB 1 and 2.”
TEAM: Check out the squad to take on the Sun in NAB Challenge 3
The Lions complete their NAB Challenge matches on Friday night against the Suns at Metricon Stadium, Lions members with game access are able to scan their membership card for GA seating or can upgrade to a reserved seat through ticketmaster.
