Fagan got ‘nasty’ at four players for the first time this year. It sparked carnage for the Crows

Brisbane: For the first time this year, Chris Fagan felt he needed to target one group of players and ensure they knew their performances hadn’t been up to scratch. The Brisbane Lions’ small forwards were in the firing line, and needed to respond.

Cam Rayner went as far as to describe the two-time premiership coach’s week as “nasty” on Kayo Sports, and after last week’s capitulation against an undermanned Swans still hurting from the Pullman Hotel saga, it was probably warranted.

The quartet of Rayner, Charlie Cameron, Kai Lohmann and the newly re-signed Zac Bailey all went goalless that night. But in the 53-point semi-final thrashing of the Crows at the Gabba, they responded emphatically.

“They’re proud performers, they’ve been pretty good for us all year, [but] it was pointed out to them during the week that they let us down against Sydney,” Fagan lamented.

“They hardly contributed in that game, our talls were actually all OK, and our small forwards didn’t get on the scoreboard. I reminded them of how good they were when we played Adelaide in round seven … and probed and prodded them a bit on the performance last week.

“This is the first time this year [I’ve had to pull that lever]. I know there’s been some games this year where we haven’t played all that well, but this was the first time this year where it was a pretty fierce week.”

It took just 29 seconds in the contest for Lohmann to kick the first goal of the night – triggering a procession of five unanswered goals in the opening seven-and-a-bit minutes – with his second coming less than 50 seconds into the third term to ensure the Lions stayed on the front foot. His 18 disposals on Saturday night were the equal-second most of his career, bettered only by his five goals and 24 touches in round 22 against Hawthorn – their preliminary final opponents.

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“It was an extraordinary start – I was standing there with my mouth open going, ‘This is unbelievable’. It was a very prompt response to a disappointing game last week. We needed to make a statement,” Fagan said.

Cameron had the crowd screaming their most vocal renditions of Take Me Home, Country Roads, kicking a bag of five for the first time since round 10, 2024, while Rayner’s two goals and three goal assists were only bettered by his frequent tackle busts.

But it was the performance of Bailey, fresh off inking an eight-year extension to remain in Brisbane until the end of 2034 – turning down a reported $10 million offer from the Crows in the process – that was perhaps the most poetic.

During the week, it was almost with disbelief that Dayne Zorko gushed about the retention of Bailey, such was the kind of lucrative rival offer he was attracting. But the Lions, as they did with Hugh McCluggage, all but ensured the 26-year-old would remain a one-club man.

The livewire had one moment to forget – a complete shank for goal off the side of his boot when under no pressure – but aside from that, he was electric; finishing with three goals, 23 disposals, three clearances and three goal assists,as he roamed around contests hunting for loose-ball opportunities.

Ironically, it was against the Crows in round seven when he best showcased his all-round skill set with another three goals and 29 touches.

The Lions faithful would have been forgiven for fearing the lack of defensive intent which plagued them at the SCG was showing signs of reappearing as their rivals kicked the next four goals – two in quick succession off Darcy Fogarty’s boot – as an early 31-point lead was cut to less than two goals.

But either side of the main break, the Lions would kick the next seven, and managed the momentum of the contest – timing their opportunities to attack with precision and showing a willingness to slow the tempo after a frantic start.

Perhaps most ominously for their looming rivals, given the nature of this victory, Brisbane’s champion midfielders Lachie Neale (21 touches, two clearances) and Hugh McCluggage (two goals, 16 disposals) were kept relatively quiet. Even without them at the forefront, this team can produce a score from anywhere.

Not that Fagan was allowing his side to begin dreaming of completing a premiership three-peat to rival that of the legendary Lions of 2001-03.

“I don’t even want to talk about that – we’ve got to focus on next week. If you think too far ahead it’s a big mistake to make – that was our problem last week,” Fagan explained.

“I think we thought too far ahead – we thought we’d go down to Sydney and get an easy win because Sydney had a few players out, and we got the shock of our lives and got what we deserved.

“It’ll be one step at a time for us.”

On an otherwise forgettable night for the Crows, the retiring Taylor Walker kicked his final two goals before drawing the curtain on his career – an effort in vain, but something for the visitors to savour.

“He was saying to our group we’re not getting rid of him, so he’s sticking around in some capacity – I don’t know what that is, but it’s just been an absolute pleasure to coach him,” Crows coach Matthew Nicks said of the former skipper.

“We’ve had our challenges along the way, that’s what brings an even higher respect when you go through challenges and share your thoughts and ideas on life. He’s been like having another coach.”

There had been speculation before their elimination final win over the Bulldogs that that Nicks’ future at the Crows was on thin ice – his record since taking the reins in 2020 featuring five campaigns in the finals wilderness before bowing out in straight-sets after clinching the minor premiership last year.

But Nicks insisted he was the coach to spearhead the club to the promised land.

“There are no guarantees in footy, but I’m confident of where we’re at and the conversations that are ongoing with the leaders of our football club and my colleagues,” Nicks said.

“We have great forward momentum as a football club – we’re building something quite special. We’re not there yet, we know we still have a far way to go, but no doubt we’re heading in the right direction, and we’ve got the right people around the club.

“I do [think I can take us to a premiership], and I think I’ve got the right support around [me].”

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Nick Wright covers sport for Brisbane Times.AdvertisementAdvertisement