xAnts

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan didn't hold back after Sunday's disappointing 11-point loss to Melbourne Demons, delivering a blunt assessment of his team's performance. Describing the defeat as a 'complete annihilation,' Fagan acknowledged that significant work is needed before their crucial clash against Hawthorn next weekend – a team that has consistently proven to be a thorn in the Lions' side.

The Demons' victory marked a concerning trend for Brisbane, as they struggled to contain Melbourne's relentless pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities. For the second consecutive week, the Lions have failed to reach their usual high standards, raising questions about their consistency and resilience as the season progresses. Fagan's frank comments signal a need for immediate adjustments and a renewed focus on fundamentals.

"Look, there's no sugarcoating it. We were annihilated today," Fagan stated in the post-match press conference. "We didn't win enough contests, we didn’t move the ball well, and we didn’t execute our plan. We've got a bit of work to do, that's for sure."

The Lions' upcoming match against Hawthorn presents another significant challenge. Hawthorn has historically proven to be a difficult opponent for Brisbane, and Fagan is acutely aware of the need to turn things around quickly. He emphasized the importance of addressing the team's shortcomings and regaining their confidence before facing the Hawks.

“Hawthorn are a good side, and they’ve had the wood on us for a while now. We need to be better. We need to be tougher. We need to be more disciplined. It's as simple as that,” Fagan added. “We’ll be working hard this week to address these issues and make sure we’re ready for the challenge.”

The loss to Melbourne highlights the competitive nature of the AFL season and the importance of consistent performance. Brisbane will need to dig deep and find a way to overcome their recent struggles if they hope to contend for premiership glory. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Lions respond to Fagan's tough assessment and the challenge posed by Hawthorn. The pressure is on to deliver a much-improved performance and prove that Sunday's defeat was merely a temporary setback. Will they be able to bounce back and regain their position among the AFL's elite? Only time will tell.

**Key takeaways from Fagan’s comments:**

• A frank acknowledgement of a poor performance against the Demons.
• Identification of key areas for improvement: contests, ball movement, and execution.
• Awareness of the challenge posed by Hawthorn and the need for a strong response.