Brisbane Lions’ Hugh McCluggage Declares Determination to Maintain Edge for Preliminary AFL Final

In the lead up to the rapidly approaching AFL preliminary final, Brisbane stalwart Hugh McCluggage has affirmed the Lions’ determination to hold onto their competitive “edge.” This follows concerns that the team could lose momentum due to an extended break between matches – the second such pause happening within a month.

Recently, the Lions secured their place in the forthcoming preliminary final concluding next week. The team exhibited superior sportsmanship by triumphing over Port Adelaide, recording a noteworthy win by a substantial 48-points in the Gabba’s qualifying final that took place last Saturday evening.

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Echoing this earlier respite, Brisbane and their rivals among the top eight also enjoyed an uneventful weekend just a fortnight ago. All matches were put on hold for a full 10 days marking the period from the regular season’s end and the commencement of the finals series.

McCluggage demonstrated optimism, buoyed by the Lions’ formidable start against Power after the prior break. The seasoned player anticipates an equally robust kick-off for his team against potential contenders – the Demons or the Blues, scheduled for Saturday week at the Gabba.

A matter of maturity is how he terms it; indicating that despite players’ natural tendency to somewhat relax during the initial week of the fortnightly break, they should retain their athlete’s instinct by preserving “a bit of edge.” In his words, a successful match doesn’t hinge merely on the ability to “turn it on and flick a switch” once in the game; it requires solid training, especially in the wake of a week off.

The Lions had tasted similar victory last year, reaching the preliminary finals. However, lacking the benefit of a break as they concluded sixth on the ladder saw them playing fever-pitched football from the onset of their finals campaign. Drained physically and possibly emotionally after substantial wins against Richmond and Melbourne, the Lions unfortunately fell short of the grand finale by a single week. They witnessed a crushing 71 point defeat by eventual champions Geelong.

The previous year too saw a similar fate, with the Lions losing a preliminary final to the Cats. This loss, however, followed an idle weekend earned by a 15-point qualifying win over Richmond.

But undeterred, McCluggage voiced the team’s collective confidence. He said, “we’re hoping that we’ve gleaned wisdom from these past experiences, and having been in similar situations should aid us to remain relaxed this week, fully embracing and making the most of the current opportunity.”

McCluggage too proved his mettle in the game against Port, overcoming a hip injury to deliver a commendable performance inclusive of 26 disposals. Subsequent to Will Ashcroft’s season-ending injury in July, McCluggage took pride in his efforts to play a more prominent “inside role,” as opposed to getting restricted to a wing position.

Expounding his perspective, Brisbane’s vice-captain added that playing slightly more internally puts him more within the heat of the match. He further declared an improvement in his game’s basics in the latter half of the year – a commendable feat that saw him improved both his skill set and game etiquette.