Lions ready to roar in AFL finals

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan believes his side is better placed for a shot at the AFL premiership this season than it was before last year’s straight-sets finals exit.

The platform has been set with the Lions locking in a second successive top-two position with Saturday night’s 17-point win over Carlton.

Their seventh consecutive win guaranteed them two home finals at the Gabba again, and the grand final will also be played at their home ground.

“We’re better for the experience that we had last year but you’ve got to get the results on the board,” Fagan said

“A new season is about to begin – finals – and we’re desperate to do well.”

In 2019, consecutive home defeats to eventual premiers Richmond and grand finalists Greater Western Sydney brought about Brisbane’s demise.

Fagan rejected suggestions the straight-sets nature of that finals exit led to added pressure this time around.

“I don’t see it that way,” Fagan said.

“Last year was a brilliant learning experience for us and we actually played really well in the finals last year, so we’ve got nothing to fear.

“We look forward to the challenge.”

Brisbane will win the minor premiership if Port Adelaide fail to beat Collingwood on Monday night.

It would be the first time a Queensland-based club has claimed the McClelland Trophy.

Fitzroy won their last minor premiership in 1913, long before the Brisbane Lions merged entity played its first season in 1997.

“It’s always good to do something historic (but) it’s not really in our hands,” Fagan said.

“It’s in Port Adelaide’s hands and what happens in that game on Monday.

“The pressure’s on them now, so I’m glad it’s not on us.

“You never know, we might get a chance to do something that no other Brisbane team has done, which would be great for the group.

“They’ve been a fantastic group to coach and they deserve every bit of success that they get.”

Brisbane will welcome back Jarrod Berry (shoulder) for their first final but star defender Harris Andrews (hamstring) is unlikely to win his race against time to prove his fitness.

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