Milestones were the only thing Brisbane could celebrate after a 49-point AFL loss to Collingwood highlighted just how much the Lions still rely on veteran Simon Black.
Brownlow Medallist Black was always going to be the Lions’ focus in Friday night’s Gabba clash after reaching a remarkable 318 games – equalling fellow triple premiership winner Marcus Ashcroft’s club record.
But the 34-year-old became the talking point for all the wrong reasons despite notching a team-high 32 touches.
Lions coach Michael Voss admitted after his 100th game at the Brisbane helm that not much had changed since his playing days – his team still relied heavily on veteran Black.
“Yeah, but he just kept trying – that’s what you expect from him,” Voss said of his former teammate.
“I thought (Dwayne) Zorko was amazing.
“But as a midfield mix collectively, we have a group of players who have to be accountable for their performance – and it wasn’t good enough.”
“We need more to join him (Black).”
Voss ended his 100th game as Lions coach with what was believed to be a memorable post-match spray.
Certainly he was not in the mood to make excuses despite sorely missing the likes of co-captain Jonathan Brown (ban), vice-captain Tom Rockliff, ruckman Matthew Leuenberger (injury), Daniel Merrett (suspension), Daniel Rich (shoulder) and Mitch Golby (foot).
“When you feel your non-negotiables have been breached it is fair game,” said Voss when asked if he had blasted his troops.
“The disappointing thing is we are not getting the non-negotiables done – one is winning the ball and the second is sticking your tackles.
“It was unacceptable. At the start of games there’s a responsibility to be able to win the ball.
“It’s basic, it’s been around a long time. It won’t go away.”
The match was essentially over when Collingwood led by 45 at halftime as they went on to dominate disposals (432-294), clearances (40-31) and contested possessions (143-124).
It ensured their gutsy 10-point win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium two weeks ago became a distant memory for a battling Lions outfit that enter a bye with a lousy 3-7 record.
“We had our backs to the wall from the very start of the game and for some reason we were not handling that as well as we would like,” Voss said.
“Two weeks ago we did. But we haven’t been able to since – it’s been a bit of an issue for us.”
In another blow to the Lions, strike weapon Pearce Hanley was restricted to 11 touches by Magpies’ Brent Macaffer.
