Brisbane Lions AFLW Coach Craig Starcevich said the Lions were not far off the pace in yesterday’s match practice loss to GWS, but they struggled to capitalise on their hard work.

The Lions went down to the GIANTS 5.7 (37) to 0.3 (3) at Tom Willis Oval in Blacktown yesterday morning in their first practice match in 2020.

“Our effort was really good and our defensive pressure acts kept us in the game,” he said.

“In general play, we weren’t way off the pace, but we weren’t able to finish. 

“Our polish when we were under pressure wasn’t where it needed to be.

“We created scoring opportunities after quarter time which were good, we had the ball down in the inside 50s enough but we couldn’t put people in enough space in front of goal.”

Starcevich said the new players will only be better for having the opportunity to play against an established side.

“Over a third of our group who we took to Sydney played an AFLW-styled game for the first time,” he said.

“All of our new players showed glimpses which was great.”

Kate Lutkins, Nat Grider and newcomer Cathy Svarc shone throughout the morning in defence.

With Round 1 less than two weeks away, Starcevich said he and his coaching group know what they need to focus on in their final preparation.

“Finding some cohesion in the front half because that was a real problem for us yesterday,” he said.

“We’re going to continue on the path we are on and get more match time for everyone and then finalise our best combinations.”

The Lions meet the Adelaide Crows on Saturday February 8^th at Hickey Park in Round 1.