Brisbane confident despite injury toll
Brisbane co-captain Jonathan Brown is a chance to return from injury for Sunday’s must-win match against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
Brown missed last weekend’s win over Melbourne, but Brisbane coach Michael Voss told reporters yesterday he was “tracking nicely” and the eight-day break between matches would help his chances.
Brisbane, however, showed last week they can win without their big-name veterans, Brown and Simon Black
Voss says his re-energised team finally have the self-belief to win without the gun duo.
Black is expected to miss Sunday’s game, as will classy Irish import Pearce Hanley, who was ruled out for up to a month with a hand fracture on Tuesday.
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Still, Brisbane are buzzing after their gritty 19-point last-round win over Melbourne in Darwin – the first time a Brisbane side without veterans Black and Brown had emerged triumphant since round one in 2005.
Voss could not predict a comeback date for Brownlow Medallist Black but said Brown was more likely to return this week or next week against St Kilda.
Asked if his players were now confident they could win without their veteran duo, Voss said on Tuesday: “Absolutely.
“They are playing more games together, they are confident in their capability and our depth.
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“When that comes together you can start playing with more instinct and flair.
“But it’s taken a bit of time so that’s why we are not taking anything for granted right now.”
After the Lions overcame a horror 4-8 season start, it seems the future could not be brighter for Voss.
“I am pleased the topic of conversation is around where some of our group is growing,” he said.
“It’s not lost on us that Brown and Black have played a significant role in our history.
“But now it is about our team going forward and we have seen some exciting moments.
“Those are the things that I enjoy, the evolution of our team.”
Still, Voss said the notion of the Lions – who are two wins outside the top eight – playing finals this year was “ridiculous”.
“It still fits into that basket for me,” he said.
“Two weeks ago we were still trying to bank back-to-back wins.”
