Fox Footy pundits have highlighted the “harsh” reality for Brisbane after its 71-point preliminary final loss to Geelong as the Lions bowed out of the post-season in brutal fashion.
Brisbane’s finals campaign ended prematurely for a fourth-straight year as it was completely overawed by the Cats’ scintillating ball movement and pressure in the one-sided MCG clash in a horror night for Chris Fagan’s men.
Speaking on Fox Footy post-match, Demons legend Garry Lyon emphasised how the Lions again ultimately came up short in September despite impressive upset wins over Richmond and Melbourne over the last fortnight after finishing sixth at the end of the home and away season.
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“Seven days ago we were sitting here jumping up and down with the Brisbane Lion after one of the great come-from-behind (wins over the Demons),” he said.
“They’d overcome all these obstacles and we celebrated them.
“(Now) They were off this field and gone and not even thought about … they were out. That’s what happens in our game, you’re either in it or you’re out.
“They’re as far from a premiership (as anyone), they’re irrelevant now.”
St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt added: “It’s a harsh lesson tonight … their issues manifested tonight, the issues all year.”
But former Magpies coach Nathan Buckley believes the Lions can build off their finals campaign and look to again gear up for another flat tilt in 2023.
Brisbane’s finals record is now 3-6 under Fagan despite it again failing to reach the grand final during a prosperous period for the club including three top-four finishes, two preliminary final appearances and two semi-finals.
“There’s no division champions or conference champions, but they won two finals that no one expected them to win, went two weeks further than anyone would’ve thought possible,” Buckley said.
“So they’ve still got those to take with them.
“They’ve been out in straight sets in previous years … that performance today, they lowered their colours, but out of the (eight) games we’ve seen, that’s the only blowout.”
Lyon agreed that Brisbane would take some confidence out this finals series, however noted it’s now back among the rest of the pack.
“In terms of the harshness of what we do and what we celebrate, they’re out of the picture,” he said.
“They’ve got a fair bit to sort out, their back half certainly and ability to try and hold the ball in the front (half).
“Simon Goodwin says all the vulnerabilities are exposed under the fierce (finals) pressure.”
