One man does not make a team, but midfielder Jack Redden is hoping three players can help prove the difference for the Brisbane Lions against Collingwood in their AFL clash on Saturday night.
Redden on Tuesday was the first to blame their midfield after their 67-point thrashing at the hands of Essendon last round.
However, Redden kept his fingers crossed three men could also help reverse the spluttering Lions’ fortunes – skipper Jonathan Brown, Simon Black and the returning Andrew Raines.
Raines is back from a one-game suspension for punching Geelong captain Joel Selwood – and Redden did not expect the Lions tagger to back down against the Pies.
“He’s been terrific this year, he’s doing a great shutdown role,” Redden said.
“He gets nice and personal. He is playing his role.
“I am sure he will get (Dane) Swan or (Scott) Pendlebury.”
Redden also hopes to see the Brown of old after the skipper’s best game yet since returning from facial fractures – a two-goal, 21-disposal effort against Essendon.
“There’s three games now under his belt, he is finding his feet after being a bit underdone in the first few (back),” Redden said.
“He is finding his game fitness now after a few good grabs and good goals (against the Bombers).”
Black is still racking up impressive numbers – 27 touches against Essendon last round – but has been heavily tagged in recent weeks.
Redden – who notched an equal team-high 30 disposals against the Bombers – said it was up to the midfield to help the Brownlow Medallist out.
“As a midfield group, it’s important for us to help support Blacky … and free him up,” Redden said.
“As you see Geelong, how much they protect Joel Selwood when he’s getting tagged, hopefully we can do it this week with the tagger if Blacky does get tagged.”
But Redden did not want to pinpoint individuals when asked about the Lions’ midfield problems after being “bashed” by Essendon.
“All of us have to take the blame for that,” he said.
“We are keen to redeem ourselves – it’s a great challenge against Collingwood.
“We are ready to stand up.”
