Lions keen for February wins

Superstar Lion Jonathan Brown is in great shape. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: HWT Image Library

THE Brisbane Lions will refreshingly use the NAB Cup to drive a winning culture after three disappointing seasons without a finals appearance.

Football manager Dean Warren said the Lions were out to be competitive in the pre-season competition, which they kick off against Gold Coast and Hawthorn in three weeks.

The Lions have won just 21 matches in the past three years but took a giant step forward last year, recording three impressive victories to end the season and unveiling a rich list of young talent.

"We certainly want to be really competitive in the NAB Cup,'' Warren said.

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"Yes, we want to make sure we give most players on our list an opportunity to play, but we'll certainly be there to try and win as many games as we can."

The Lions also face Greater Western Sydney in the four-match three-round series, where the top two sides advance to the grand final.

Sport 22.1.13 BCM Lions. Daniel Rich. The Brisbane Lions training Coorparoo. Pic Peter Wallis Picture: Peter Wallis Source: HWT Image Library

"With where we're at it's important to balance between being super competitive and putting your best out there to trying to give your young guys an opportunity to play as well," Warren said.

"So we'll try to balance that."

Brisbane Lions have never won a pre-season tournament, but finished runner-up in 2007 and 2001.

The Lions are rated a $34 chance to claim the silverware this year, while Warren said captain Jonathan Brown could be unleashed in the latter stages.

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"He's had a terrific break mentally and physically he's in terrific condition," Warren said.

"We'll ease through NAB Cup, we might not play him too much but our goal with him is to make sure he's right to go Round 1."

Sport 22.1.13 BCM Lions. Daniel Merritt. The Brisbane Lions training Coorparoo. Pic Peter Wallis Picture: Peter Wallis Source: HWT Image Library

Warren said knee victim Brent Staker had completed a full pre-season and was set to return to Michael Voss's side, while Melbourne recruits Brent Moloney and Stefan Martin had "slotted in extremely well".

"It feels like Moloney's been here for five years, so we're very happy with those two and how they're performing," he said.

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