Murray Davis said the midfield pressure on the weekend was vital in assisting backline clearances throughout the match.

“I think it starts with the midfield and in the injury room, and especially for our defenders we rely on the midfield pressure, it is excellent,” the backline coach told lions.com.au. 

The Lions midfield dominated on the weekend with McCluggage, Zorko, Neale and Lyons all having more than 21 disposals.

“Behind the ball we [defenders] rely heavily on that stuff so we really appreciate it,” Davis said.

However, he admitted he was relieved to hear the final siren, with the Lions just scraping by with a one-point win over the Adelaide Crows.

“It was a really intense game so it was great to be able to meet that head on and come out in front,” he said.

Saturday’s game broke the seven-year drought against the Crows.

“Our last game against them was five points and we just took a lot of confidence,” he said. 

“We are on the right path and it’s just building on top of that, especially playing at the Gabba we just felt all those things go a long way towards us improving.”

Standout defender Harris Andrews was back to his best, with eight intercept marks and 10 kicks.

“A lot of the blokes are working really hard to allow Harris to try and have an influence and he was able to do that,” Davis said. 

“And he just grew in confidence as the game wore on, it was just fantastic to see.”

Heading to The West to play Fremantle this week, Davis is confident the boys will hold no fear. 

“We will go over there knowing that we are in good form and it’s just looking to improve on that,” he said.