If all goes to plan, the NAB Cup “curse” will strike at the Brisbane Lions this AFL season.
Cynics could argue they are on track after the pre-season premiers crashed to a disappointing 68-point opening loss to wooden spoon fancies Western Bulldogs.
However, Lions co-captain Jonathan Brown says stats show NAB Cup hangovers are rare and believes his side can still follow in the footsteps of previous pre-season winners.
They only have to look at Saturday’s Gabba opponents Adelaide.
The Crows (7-15 record) finished 14th in 2011.
In 2012 they were shock NAB Cup winners before amassing a 17-5 record, finishing second on the ladder and being within a kick of downing Hawthorn in the preliminary final.
In fact, every pre-season winner since 2008 has finished in the top four of the ladder before making at least the preliminary final.
Not that Brown had to be reminded.
Asked if the Lions were suffering from an NAB Cup curse, Brown said: “The last five winners have finished in the top four – we are hoping it is a NAB Cup curse.
“But early season form has been an indicator for teams who have made finals so we need to get cracking.
“We had a shocker in round one …but we have to keep it in perspective.
“We had a terrific pre-season and you don’t lose your form overnight.”
Brown could even see a silver lining to last weekend’s embarrassing loss at Etihad Stadium.
“It might be a blessing in disguise that we got the kick up the backside in round one,” he said.
“We have had a chance to re-group. We will lose again this year for sure but I am confident we won’t be embarrassed like that again.”
In some good news for Brisbane, No.1 ruckman Matthew Leuenberger (Achilles) looks set to return and the influential Pearce Hanley is available after an early guilty plea for rough conduct against Daniel Giansiracusa.