Brisbane coach Chris Fagan insists he will remain optimistic after the Lions missed a golden opportunity to secure a top-four finish in the AFL with a one-point loss to Collingwood.
The Lions led throughout the match at the MCG on Saturday until Bo McCreery scored the winner 29 minutes into the final quarter.
Lions coach Chris Fagan.Credit: Getty Images
Brisbane were their own worst enemy, missing a lot of shots, especially in the third quarter, and leading by just 14 points at the final shift.
The Lions were at home when Charlie Cameron converted a clever shot to give them a 17-point lead 20 minutes into the final quarter.
Joe Daniher then had the chance to bury the Magpies but missed his chance to kick a fifth goal of the match before Collingwood kicked the last three goals to win 11.13 (79) to 11.12 (78).
“Of our last 11 games we've won nine and lost two. That's pretty good form,” Fagan said.
“We lost the game by one point, we lost by a bit (to GWS) last week, we had a lot more shots so our form is pretty good.
“We take confidence from this and understand that, given the current season, we can turn the situation around quite quickly.
“I'll remain an optimist. Why not?”
The Lions will end the weekend in fifth place, with their hopes of a crucial top-four finish all but dashed ahead of their final home and away game against Essendon at the Gabba next Saturday night.
It was the second week in a row they had to pay for their inaccuracy after posting an 8.16 average in a loss to the Giants last Saturday.
“You need to move forward pretty quickly,” Fagan said.
“We will learn some lessons from this game.
“Obviously the key thing will be to take advantage of opportunities in front of goal, which is something I have had to talk about too often this year.
“But the players will understand this.
“They'll be disappointed, so I won't rub it in their faces.
“We'll just get to work and try to make it better.”
Striker Eric Hipwood returned after a two-week absence with a groin injury but had a minimal impact on the game.
Fagan was outraged by questions about Hipwood's fitness.
“He was in shape, so we put him on the field,” he said.
“We don't put injured players on the pitch, that would be a stupid decision, so no, he was fit and could play.”
Midfielder Jarrod Berry was substituted with a hamstring strain in the second quarter and will undergo scans.
AAP