Bond reminded punters that Michael Voss’ side had lost a number of close games this season and had proved how good they could be with a stirring win over high-flying Essendon at Etihad Stadium in round 8.
Every Fremantle player that takes the field today will no doubt heed the football manager’s advice, especially considering the firepower coming back in for the Lions.
In Leuenberger, Brisbane has its best ruckman available again to take on a Freo on-ball division missing Aaron Sandilands and Jon Griffin. That means another big test for Zac Clarke.
Daniel Rich was the star of the Lions’ NAB Cup-winning campaign. His foot-skills can be incredibly damaging, particularly on the wide expanses of Patersons Stadium.
Tom Rockliff has been arguably Brisbane’s best player in the home and away season. His return is vital to match it with Freo’s big bodies in the midfield.
In Mitch Golby, the Lions regain some much-needed run from defence.
If even one Freo player judges Brisbane by its lowly position on the ladder, then the home side is in trouble.
But don’t expect a Ross Lyon coached team to underestimate anybody. As the senior coach often says in his media conferences, Freo are on red alert.
The purple and white must do as it has done in recent wins without a host of stars – bring uncompromising effort, stick to structures and trust that the game plan will see it come out with four precious premiership points.
