Fagan will let young Lions soak up AFL win
Jul 2, 2017 - 9:14 AM Chris Fagan will let his young Lions enjoy this.The Brisbane coach was beaming with pride after the AFL's bottom side roared back in the last quarter to shock the Bombers by eight points on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
It was clearly their best performance in Fagan's first year as senior coach.
As much as coaches love to stress that no four premiership points are more important than any others, Fagan said this was something to savour ahead of next Saturday night's home game against Geelong.
"I've always believed in footy that wins on the road, particularly against the odds a little bit like they were today, build great character and great belief," Fagan said.
"So we'll probably milk it for all it's worth this week, but then we go on to the fact we face Geelong next Saturday night.
"In our history, in the last six months, today is a very important day."
Fagan also noted that boxer Jeff Horn is a Lions fans and said this was a great day for the city of Brisbane.
As much as Essendon were playing poorly, it looked for most of the game that Brisbane would lack the weight of talent to upset them.
And when the Bombers went 27 points up early in the last quarter, they were just about home.
But Brisbane were outstanding, kicking six of the last seven goals and shocking Essendon to their core.
Bombers fans bleated on social media about the umpiring, but the Lions deserved to win.
"It was the spirit of the players - they came here on a mission," Fagan said.
"Every game we've played this year, we've tried to win."
They also did it without injured captain Dayne Beams, while Darcy Gardiner was taken to hospital after dislocating his elbow in the first quarter.
Eric Hipwood (four goals) and Dayne Zorko (30 disposals) led the way, while second-gamer Eric Witherden racked up 29 disposals across half-back.
The 18-year-old had a great game after flying to Melbourne during the week for his grandmother's funeral.
"His first two games have been outstanding," Fagan said.
Source: AAP
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