Brisbane coach Chris Fagan will fight fire with fire against Richmond on Sunday, backing his own midfield in a battle with Tigers star Dustin Martin.
If other results fall their way the top-of-the-table Lions, on a nine-game winning streak, can purse the AFL’s minor premiership even with a loss at the MCG on Sunday.
Breaking a 12-game losing streak to Richmond is Fagan’s focus though and the coach is optimistic he has the cattle to counter Martin’s undeniable form without resorting to a tag.
“We might just go head-to-head to start with,” Fagan said.
“He’s powerful, he just breaks away from congestion and takes ground really quickly so he’s a hard bloke to match up on.
“You’re always giving up something aren’t you (by tagging), giving up a bit of hunt yourself wandering around worrying about what he’s doing.”
Brisbane boast their own prolific ball-winner in Lachie Neale, who in his first season at the Gabba has already eclipsed retired great Simon Black as the Lions’ highest possession-getter in a season.
Captain Dayne Zorko is in All Australian form, Richmond will welcome back their skipper Trent Cotchin from injury while defenders Harris Andrews and Marcus Adams are likely to line-up against Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt respectively in another exciting MCG match-up.
The Lions didn’t kick a goal until the third term the last time these sides met, while victory has alluded Brisbane since 2014 at the MCG.
Fagan has grown accustomed to these situations though in a season full of drought-breakers.
“We face up to our history and our record; it’s not something you sweep under the carpet,” he said.
“If you want to take on these teams you’ve got to look that challenge fair in the eye as we’ve done with every one of those, whatever they’re called, hoodoos.”
Meanwhile in-form small forward Cedric Cox looks likely to be thrown into the mix at the MCG with Allen Christensen (hamstring) sidelined.
Cox, Josh Walker, Lewis Taylor and Rhys Mathieson have been added to an extended bench for the Lions that will be reduced later on Friday.
