Brandon Starcevich’s performance on the weekend highlighted to coaching staff the potential he has at AFL level.

In just his second senior game against Collingwood at the weekend, Starcevich’s decision making and accuracy were perfect.

“He went at 100% efficiency with his kicking and handball so he's going to be a very good player in this football club,” Lions Strategy Coach Danny Daly told lions.com.au 

The Lions started the game strongly against the Pies, with dominant possession inside 50. However, Daly said they did not capitalise on their opportunities.

“The game was played in our forward half, we just unfortunately weren't able to convert our chances,” he said.

“We potentially could have been five or six goals up at that stage.” 

The loss of Darcy Gardiner to a dislocated shoulder in the first quarter impacted their backline and overall structure for the remainder of the game. 

“Darcy, along with Harris have been the best defenders throughout the season,” Daly said.

“He obviously had the job on Jordan de Goey, [so] we had to reshuffle some things.”

Nick Robertson was assigned to de Goey, Tom Cutler was sent back from the wing and Lewis Taylor moved from forward to wing.

“It sort of was a domino effect in terms of the impact in terms of not only Darcy, who’s been a good player for us as a defender, but what it had up the ground for us as well. It had quite a big effect for us,” Daly said.

This weekend Lions players are determined for redemption against the Suns. The playing group were greatly disappointed after their loss to them in Round 5 at the Gabba.

“We've come a long way, we've changed a lot in terms of our game plan in that time”, Daly said.