Brisbane coach Chris Fagan is still adamant his side can make a push for finals despite an 0-3 beginning to the 2024 season.
Handed losses by Carlton, Fremantle and Collingwood, the last time Fagan's men were dealt three consecutive defeats was in the stretch between the final round of 2019 and the opening two weeks of that year's finals.
Since then, the Lions have been inarguably powerhouse of the competition, setting the benchmark for rival clubs to follow, albeit without the premiership glory that generally comes with success.
That is why Fagan and Brisbane are not panicking.
"I think the key to it all is not to overreact and just stick with what you know that works," Fagan said on Wednesday.
"This group have been on top of their game for a long time.
"Things turn in footy.
"I think sometimes the biggest mistake you can make is to jump around too much and change too many things and then you lose the essence of who you are as a team, and blokes really start not believing in themselves."
With a host of his star players down, including forward Eric Hipwood, Fagan was coy when discussing selections for Friday's game.
"We've got to get through training, so we don't play till Friday," Fagan said.
"We haven't finished selection yet so I can't categorically say yes or no to anyone at the moment.
"He (Hipwood) was definitely below his best the other night.
"It was a bad game, but it was one bad game."
If Fagan were to make a change in the forward line, pick 31 in last year's draft Logan Morris would be in considerationย after an impressive start to the VFL campaign.
Morris has slotted seven goals in two matches and looks a cut above the grade, putting pressure on the under-performing forwards in the senior side.
"He's had some good performances both in the pre-season and the VFL," Fagan said of the 18-year-old.
"He's pretty close to getting a look in."
Darcy Fort could also face the axe despite being brought back for the clash with Collingwood.
Fort was selected to support ruckman Oscar McInerney to combat the Pies ruck duo of Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox, a role usually given to Joe Daniher.
Fagan and his men will travel to South Australia for the AFL's Gather Round, featuring at Norwood Oval against the Kangaroos on Friday.
