The Brisbane Lions are on high alert for Sydney’s “superpower” ahead of an emotion-charged qualifying final at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.
As the Lions chase a third straight premiership, they head into their first match of the finals series as heavy favourites after the off-field saga surrounding Sydney.
The Swans will be without five of their best players, who were stood down for breaching club standards. Four of those players were formally interviewed by Victoria Police as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged sexual assault.
While the Lions are careful not to show any signs of complacency before the match, they’re also aware that the Swans players who remain could find added strength.
Players were left in tears after their final-round win over North Melbourne as they felt the appreciation of the Sydney fan base. And former Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko knows that’s a reality they could be on the end of this weekend at the SCG.
“The resilience they showed in that game and what I saw after that was a group that was determined and galvanised more than ever,” Zorko said.
“They want to go deep in this finals series, and having that superpower that your team comes together like that and you’re playing for one another is a really dangerous thing to have. So, we’re fully aware of that.”
On the field, Zorko says his side is also preparing for a team that still boasts some of the best players in the game. Even without the likes of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey, the Lions know there’s no margin for error.
“If you go through their list, it’s still a pretty handy list,” Zorko said.
“You’ve got All-Australians littered through that side still. Dane Rampe’s been in four grand finals. Brodie Grundy’s been one of the premier ruckmen of the competition for a very long time. Errol Gulden, his last month has been phenomenal. You’ve got a Coleman Medallist sitting in the forward line as well.
“We understand there are massive threats still in that side, and we’d be foolish if we think we’re going to just take them for what’s happened over the past few weeks. We need to be worrying about us and our process and get that right … If we don’t, and we leave that to chance, they’ll make us pay.”
Despite Brisbane’s finals experience across recent years, with Zorko set to play in his 21st finals match, he admits he still feels “nervous” ahead of the match.
And although the Lions clearly know how to win a flag, the team is still embracing the test of being the side everyone wants to stop in September.
“They’re very exciting nerves, and they’re the ones you need to embrace,” Zorko said.
“For us, it’s to continue to grow on our journey we’ve created under Fages. Our club was starved for a long period of time there without finals … so we want to cherish these opportunities; we want to leave a legacy on our football club.
“I think as a team right now, we’re in a really good position. But honestly, it counts for nothing if we don’t rock up tomorrow and get the job done.”