Lachie Neale admitted that Brisbane’s poor performance against Collingwood highlighted issues the team had been aware of for some time.
The Lions’ unbeaten start to the AFL season came to an abrupt end with a 52-point defeat to the Magpies on Thursday, leaving the reigning premiers plenty of time over the long weekend to reflect on their shortcomings.
“It didn’t sit well with us,” Neale said on Tuesday.
“It exposed some weaknesses in our game that aren’t quite at the standard needed right now.
“But honestly, we’ve known over the past six weeks that we haven’t been at our absolute best.”
Brisbane now sits at 5-1 following the loss and will face St Kilda (3-3) on Saturday in Melbourne, with the Saints also reeling from a heavy 71-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.
“We had a long weekend to stew over it, and hopefully we’ll come out with more energy and fire against St Kilda,” Neale said.
“They’ll be feeling the same after their big defeat, so it should be a great contest at Marvel Stadium where they’ve played some really good footy.”
Neale, along with Brisbane’s midfield, was outplayed at the stoppages against Collingwood. The two-time Brownlow Medal winner acknowledged that their contested work had been patchy throughout the season.
“I’ve also mentioned our team defence hasn’t been quite where it needs to be… and that’s something we’ll be tested on this weekend under the roof,” Neale added.
He noted that he knows what to expect from Ross Lyon’s teams, having played under him at Fremantle, describing them as consistently tough opponents.
When asked if he anticipated being tagged by Marcus Windhager on Saturday, Neale playfully suggested St Kilda might be better off sending their attention toward his red-hot teammate, Hugh McCluggage.
