Even though the Brisbane Lions weren’t able to secure the four points against West Coast last Saturday at the Gabba, there were some definite signs of improvement.

In particular, the Club has focussed heavily on maintaining a high level of pressure to ensure that opposition teams have to work hard for their possessions.

Interstate losses to the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Sydney have taught the Lions a tough lesson in what can be the devastating result of a severe lack of pressure and intensity.

But Assistant Coach Adrian Fletcher was pleased with the Lions’ improved effort against the Eagles, which was evident in their improved tackle count and contested ball statistics.  

“The pleasing thing from our game against West Coast was our pressure on the opposition right from the first bounce,” Fletcher told LIONSTV as part of the Vero Coaches’ Wrap.

“It’s really important when we go down to Etihad to make sure we get off to a good start and then grow our game from there.”

Pressure will once again be the key to stemming the scoring flow of an in-form Essendon outfit this Saturday afternoon in Melbourne.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise that the odds will be well and truly stacked against the Lions, with statistics clearly indicating that the two teams have been poles apart during the opening two months of the season.

The Bombers are the highest scoring team in the competition (827 points), averaging 17.3 goals per game, and also have the greatest goal conversion rate (28.8%) when the ball travels into their attacking zone.

The Lions, meanwhile, are ranked equal 17th for total points scored (551) with a competition low average of just 10.9 goals per game.

The Lions are also ranked last in the AFL with their inside 50 to goal ratio, which currently sits at just 20.8%.

Stats can often paint a confusing picture, but this one is pretty clear – if the Bombers dominate possession (they rank first in disposals and second in marks) and are able to move the ball freely without much resistance, then a high score will likely result.

So don’t expect Essendon to be afforded the same space as North Melbourne and the Bulldogs found on the Lions’ most recent trips to Etihad Stadium.