Lions coach Chris Fagan has put Brisbane’s forwards on notice, saying they need to maintain form or face the prospect of losing their spot to “team” man Darcy Fort.
Despite being “really good” in the Lions’ 75-point win over the Kangaroos last weekend, big man Fort been has left out of Brisbane’s 22 for Saturday’s clash against the GWS Giants in Canberra to allow for the return of Jack Gunston.
Former Hawthorn star Gunston was rested last Saturday, but “deserves” to be recalled, according to Fagan.
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“It’s always hard to leave Darcy out,” the Lions coach said on Friday.
“He comes into the side and gets the job done. He’s that sort of man. He’s a very team-orientated person and he’s a valued member of our playing group.
“There’ll be other days when Darcy comes in and plays roles. Maybe at some point in time he’ll cement his spot, but for now, Jack deserves to get in.
“But the pressure is on all our forwards to perform because Darcy was really good last weekend.”
Former Lions captain Alastair Lynch said Fort was unlucky to have been dropped.
“While Brisbane have, in my view, the most talented forward line in the competition, they don’t really have that bustling, under-the-ball forward, and he (Fort) plays that and I feel it’s an important role,” Fox Footyexpert Lynch said.
“He’d building a very good case that he’s ready to go any time. Whether it’s a home and away game, or a big final.”
Perhaps even more important is the role GWS skipper Toby Greene – who twice kicked four goals against Brisbane last season – plays for the Giants.
“He’s the guy that gets them going,” Lions coach Fagan said of Greene.
“Not only does he kick goals but he creates goals. He gets up in the stoppages and causes a little bit of chaos there as well, so he’s a player that every time we play the Giants, we’re very mindful of.
“We’ll certainly put some time into Toby. We don’t want him exciting his teammates too much.
“We think it’ll be a really tough game. We’ll have to play well to win it.”
The Lions are chasing a hat-trick of victories on Saturday and have the added incentive of winning for milestone man Zac Bailey, who is set to make his 100th AFL appearance.
“I’m really happy for him that he’s reached the 100-game milestone and pretty sure he’s going to play a lot more for the Lions,” Fagan said of the 23-year-old Northern Territory product.
“He’s often the guy that brings the energy in those moments, sparks the team, does something exciting.
“We tend to judge Zac on whether he’s kicking goals or not, but last week, while he didn’t kick a goal, he was involved in eight or nine shots on goal.
“I thought Zac was pretty close to his best last week.”
