Leigh Matthews, a revered figure in the Brisbane Lions organization and a member of its board, has refuted claims that the club is on the decline in its quest for another premiership, despite a disappointing start to the season. Despite reaching the grand final last year, the Lions have stumbled in their first three matches of this season, currently sitting in 14th place on the ladder.
Additionally, there have been concerns about a preseason incident causing rifts within the team. Despite consistently making the top eight since 2019, the Lions have yet to secure a grand final victory. In 2019, they finished second but were eliminated from the finals swiftly. The following years saw similar outcomes: in 2020, they finished second again but fell short in a preliminary final, and in the subsequent year, they were knocked out in the finals’ early stages despite finishing fourth. In 2022, they reached the preliminary final but ended up sixth, and last year, they finished second again.
Matthews insists that it is premature to dismiss the Lions’ chances of winning a premiership. He acknowledges the poor start to the season but emphasizes the importance of making strategic decisions in team selection, such as whether to include additional players in certain positions. Despite individual players like Hipwood facing criticism for their performances, Matthews advocates for patience and perseverance, citing their potential to contribute positively.
Regarding the off-field issues, Matthews maintains that there is no evidence to suggest that they are affecting the team’s performance on the field. He asserts that there is no apparent discord among the players and that those involved with the club deny any such disruptions affecting their game.
Geelong great Jimmy Bartel concurs, stating that it’s challenging to link the ongoing off-field concerns with the team’s struggles on the field, emphasizing the technical aspects of the game rather than external factors.
