Back-to-back premiers Brisbane is facing a tricky fortnight to get its season back on track after a dismal loss to GWS on Sunday.
The Lions went down by 78 points, leaking 26 goals, including 14 in a record-breaking third quarter. GWS extended the half-time margin of six points to 89 at the last break.
It leaves the Lions sitting 6-5 ahead of matches against top-of-the-table Fremantle and top four aspirants Gold Coast.
Brisbane has also lost to Western Bulldogs, Sydney, Melbourne and Geelong this season, while the club's most notable scalps have been over Collingwood and Adelaide.
In all of their losses, Brisbane have conceded more than 100 points, with their leaky defence emanating into footy discussions in recent weeks with the Sunday bringing it firmly into the spotlight.
The Lions are widely expected to compete for the flag in 2026 but only once since 2011 has a team had eight losses and got the all important double chance, meaning the Lions would need to win 11 of their last 13 games for a top four berth.
The party line will be that it's too early in the year to be worrying about the ladder - but the Lions position is an inescapable fact.
As well as a tough fortnight and Richmond before the bye, the Lions also face Sydney, Geelong, Hawthorn, Gold Coast again and Collingwood at the MCG to finish the year.
Of course, the Lions famously won the flag from fifth position on the ladder in 2024 after Western Bulldogs did so from seventh in 2016, and arguably wildcard round provides a bonus for the sides which qualify fifth or sixth.
Until now, their wobbly form had flown somewhat under the radar, analysts and punters convinced it would correct itself.
But a dismal showing on Sunday is perfect fodder for early week footy shows which preference discussing games played late in the weekend.
Expect the loss to be pulled apart as the pressure heats up in Queensland.
