Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the Lions have “plans” to nullify Nick Daicos on Thursday night, but they may not include tagging the Collingwood dangerman.
In Collingwood’s three games this season, midfield star Daicos has accumulated disposal tallies of 41, 33 and 36.
He also averages more than 30 possessions a game against the Lions and will need to be stopped if the back-to-back premiers are to beat the Magpies at the Gabba.
“He’s a good player,” Fagan said on Wednesday when asked about a potential tag on Daicos.
“We’ve talked a little bit about him this week, but there are a lot of other good Collingwood players as well.
“There are plans, but I’m not sure which ones we’ll go with yet.”
Fagan raised the possibility of not placing the likes of Josh Dunkley and Jarrod Berry on Daicos to instead put faith in his own group of star on-ballers to dictate the terms of the contest, even without injured All-Australian star Hugh McCluggage, who remains sidelined with a calf problem.
“We also think we’ve got a pretty good midfield ourselves, so we might back ourselves in,” the Lions mentor said.
Brisbane’s defensive stocks aren’t as strong due to the absence of suspended co-captain Harris Andrews and injured pair Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) and Noah Answerth (concussion).
Fagan said the versatile Keidean Coleman would likely revert to the backline after being used mainly in the forwards in Brisbane’s 33-point win over St Kilda last Saturday at Marvel Stadium.
Premiership-winning forward Ty Gallop will also be used in defence again after deputising there against the Saints.
“We thought he played pretty well down there last week for his first go at it,” Fagan said of Gallop.
“He’s a natural competitor. That’s a big plus and a good starting point if you want to play down in defence, and for his overall football development, it’s a good thing.
“He’ll no doubt be down there again (against Collingwood).”
Fagan said the Lions would be “innovative” in covering for their defensive losses.
“We’ll have to defend well together as a team,” he said.
“It’s not just on those back seven players, it’s on everyone.”
Fagan said the Lions remained confident about securing back-to-back wins despite their injuries in defence.
“Our midfield’s still strong, our forward line’s still strong, so we’re still putting a good team out on the field,” he said.
“We very optimistic about our chances (on Thursday) night.”
