“It is disheartening,” says Fagan, puzzled by the concerning Lions pattern.

Coach Chris Fagan of Brisbane thinks his team’s early-season break has been beneficial as he works to address his team’s concerning in-game slumps.

Despite dropping to 0-2 after losses to Carlton and Fremantle, Fagan is still certain his club can contend for the top four.

Brisbane outscored the Blues 46 points in the first game of the season before trailing by only one point.

On Saturday night in Perth, the Lions also had a 27-2 lead over Fremantle before falling short 14.9 (93) to 10.10 (70).

In those two games, Brisbane gave up eight goals without retaliation, and Fagan is keen to know why.

“Those drop offs in the middle of the game is something new,” Fagan remarked.

“I have to say that I don’t have an early theory. Both times they’ve happened, I didn’t see them coming, and we tried a lot of different things today to stop Fremantle’s momentum.

“It’s unfortunate that nothing changed in the midst of the game despite our best efforts—taking a spare behind the ball and playing an extra at the stoppage.

“Your goal is to halt progress. Teams shouldn’t score a lot of goals in a succession, and it has now occurred twice.”

The Lions will have a bye in the following round before returning to the Gabba on March 28 to play Collingwood in the Grand Final.

Brisbane began the 2021 season 0–2 and 1-3, however they were still able to place fourth.