Lions aim to break Eagles winning streak - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Lions aim to break Eagles winning streak

By Tim Clarke 15/07/2005 07:29:29 PM Comments (0)

West Coast might have been more consistent than any other team in the AFL this season, but they certainly aren't better than everyone else, according to Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews.

Matthews put the finishing touches to the resurgent and confident Brisbane squad which is aiming to break a 17-game regular season home winning streak by the Eagles at Subiaco Oval Saturday night.

And despite their opponents' imposing 14-1 season record, premiership favouritism and gun midfield, Matthews says the Lions are ready to take on the ladder leaders in possibly the best form during his time at the club.

"They are four games clear - their consistency and their ability to play well week in, week out has been better than all the other sides in the competition this year, there is no doubt about that," Matthews said.

"But better is the wrong term, and everyone knows that. Better is not the operative term, the ability to win games is a combination of being able to produce a level consistently.

"The last month on its own has been as good as any month that we have played in my time here, but the encouraging thing is that it has been with six or seven guys who haven't been part of that previous level."

In what is being anticipated as the biggest game of the home and away season so far, Saturday's match has added significance for West Coast captain Ben Cousins, as he notches up his 200th appearance for the club.

However it appears he will not be joined by close friend Michael Gardiner, who despite recovering from a knee injury which has sidelined him since round 10, looks set to make his comeback in the WAFL.

Eagles coach John Worsfold said a flu bug that had spread through the camp had abated, with the only change to the squad the inclusion of young forward Andrew McDougall in place of injured defender Adam Hunter.

Worsfold said he was confident if his side was involved in a tight match, as they were against the Kangaroos last week, his charges would prevail.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news