Energy is the key to negotiating a hectic playing schedule that sees Brisbane play three games in eight days and there is plenty of that in the Lions’ camp.
The Lions face Essendon on Friday night, the Tigers the following Tuesday and then the Bulldogs at the Gabba on Saturday, August 8 at the Gabba.
Backline coach Murray Davis said over the next three matches the challenge for the coaches would be finding the balance between reviewing games and previewing the next opponent.
For the players it was all about recovering properly and maintaining their enthusiasm.
As the side returned to work on Monday after Sunday’s four point victory over the Demons at Metricon Stadium, the focus had already shifted forward to Friday’s blockbuster with Essendon, once again down the M1 to Gold Coast.
Under Chris Fagan there is a strong emphasis on learning. Situations like Sunday when the Demons kicked three final quarter goals to draw within a kick of snatching victory only for Brisbane to rally, offer valuable experiences that the coaching group would highlight to the players.
“We got ourselves into a position where we allowed Melbourne to come back at us, to their credit’’ he said.
“I think we showed some good composure late but early in that last quarter, there is no doubt we’ll take some learnings from that.
“I think you have to mould them into the same thing, you can take things out of each game as a bit of a review and then also a preview into the next one.
“That’s what we’ll look to do, the guys learn a lot of lessons out there in the heat of battle and under pressure.’’
Davis said there were no concerns in the camp at the condensed schedule, instead he believed the natural energy levels of the playing group would hold them in good stead.
“Our guys will do a great job of making sure they recover well and we will prepare them as best we can,’’ he said.
“The players are up for it, they are really looking forward to embracing that challenge that comes.
“I think the most important thing is just keeping the energy up and our group have plenty of energy and they are going well in that area so that’s what we’ll make sure we maintain.’’
