The Brisbane Lions are on a roll, and it's a wild surge that even their coach, Chris Fagan, admits he didn't see coming. With six straight wins, the team is now in a position to potentially secure a top-four spot and, more ambitiously, a third straight premiership. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the team's initial struggles, as Fagan himself points out. He thought they were in trouble at six wins and six losses, but here they are, 12-6, six weeks later, and the ball is very much in their court.
The fight for a spot in the best 23 is intense, with players like West Aussie James Tunstill, who was an emergency in last year's grand final win, now competing for a starting position. The team's depth and competition for spots are what make them a strong club, according to Tunstill. He enjoys the challenge and the opportunity to learn from his teammates.
The Lions are also bringing in new talent, with recruits Oscar Allen and Lincoln McCarthy making their VFL debuts. Allen, in particular, is seen as a potential key player in a three-tall attack setup, alongside Logan Morris and Eric Hipwood. However, it's up to the players to prove their worth and force their way back into the winning lineup.
Fagan acknowledges the pressure of trying to become just the third team this century to win three straight flags, following the Brisbane Lions of 2001-2003 and the Hawthorn of 2013-2015. He believes the team is mature enough to use the competition for a top-four spot as motivation, and the players seem to agree. Tunstill, for one, is embracing the challenge and wants to keep the momentum going all the way through to September.
The Lions still have a few challenging games ahead, including matches against Port Adelaide, Hawthorn, and Gold Coast at home, as well as Carlton and Collingwood in Melbourne. However, with their current form and the team's determination, they are in a strong position to make a serious run at the premiership.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the team's ability to adapt and bring in new talent while maintaining their winning streak. It's a testament to the Lions' resilience and the competitive nature of the AFL. As Fagan says, destiny is in their own hands, and the team is embracing the challenge of making history.
