BRISBANE Lions coach Michael Voss has downplayed the significance of Friday night's NAB Cup Grand Final win, saying the team will be straight back to business on Saturday.
Although saying the 41-point defeat of Carlton, capping an undefeated pre-season, was a deserved reward for hard work over summer.
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Voss said the focus was on the round one clash with the Western Bulldogs in a fortnight.
Voss said the focus was on the round one clash with the Western Bulldogs in a fortnight.
"It's good for us in terms of our preparation," Voss said.
"These guys are working very hard, and there's certainly been lots of periods where we've been working hard but haven't been able to celebrate much.
"So we'll be able to have a little bit of celebration tonight, but we'll park it tomorrow and move on.
"That's the way it's got to be."
"These guys are working very hard, and there's certainly been lots of periods where we've been working hard but haven't been able to celebrate much.
"So we'll be able to have a little bit of celebration tonight, but we'll park it tomorrow and move on.
"That's the way it's got to be."
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Most pleasing, said Voss, was the way his players ran out the match.
After trailing by 13 points at half-time, the Lions booted nine goals to one after the main break.
"We've still got a hell of a lot of work to do in a few areas, but that capacity to be able to finish out games strong is becoming a hallmark of our team," Voss said.
"We had [a cap of] 80 rotations tonight and still had that mentality where we can keep running towards the end."
The Lions did not suffer any injuries during the match and will face the Bulldogs with a healthy squad to choose from.
Only Simon Black and Brent Staker have already been ruled out, with ruckman Matthew Leuenberger in doubt after suffering a setback in his recovery from an Achilles injury.
"We come in with some tough selection choices coming into round one, which is healthy," Voss said.
"One thing you get through pre-season is a chance to measure your depth, and our depth has improved.
"That adds to that confidence.
Most pleasing, said Voss, was the way his players ran out the match.
After trailing by 13 points at half-time, the Lions booted nine goals to one after the main break.
"We've still got a hell of a lot of work to do in a few areas, but that capacity to be able to finish out games strong is becoming a hallmark of our team," Voss said.
"We had [a cap of] 80 rotations tonight and still had that mentality where we can keep running towards the end."
The Lions did not suffer any injuries during the match and will face the Bulldogs with a healthy squad to choose from.
Only Simon Black and Brent Staker have already been ruled out, with ruckman Matthew Leuenberger in doubt after suffering a setback in his recovery from an Achilles injury.
"We come in with some tough selection choices coming into round one, which is healthy," Voss said.
"One thing you get through pre-season is a chance to measure your depth, and our depth has improved.
"That adds to that confidence.
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"We've got more players who are able to come in, and every side is looking for that 28 to 30 players across a season, because you need it."
After struggling at centre clearances last season, the Lions can also take heart from their 19-7 centre clearance advantage over Carlton, and a 49-39 win in clearances overall.
Michael Tuck Medal winner Daniel Rich won nine of those clearances, and recruit Brent Moloney 11.
"Our centre square bounce was particularly impressive," Voss said.
"For guys like 'Richy' to get our hands on it, that's been a problem for us in recent times."
Like his coach, Rich said the pre-season premiership, the first in Brisbane Lions' history, would be cast aside quickly.
"The focus is round one; that's been the focus all pre-season," Rich said.
"But it is pleasing to see some good habits and some good performances.
"The culture of the footy club is definitely heading in the right direction."
"We've got more players who are able to come in, and every side is looking for that 28 to 30 players across a season, because you need it."
After struggling at centre clearances last season, the Lions can also take heart from their 19-7 centre clearance advantage over Carlton, and a 49-39 win in clearances overall.
Michael Tuck Medal winner Daniel Rich won nine of those clearances, and recruit Brent Moloney 11.
"Our centre square bounce was particularly impressive," Voss said.
"For guys like 'Richy' to get our hands on it, that's been a problem for us in recent times."
Like his coach, Rich said the pre-season premiership, the first in Brisbane Lions' history, would be cast aside quickly.
"The focus is round one; that's been the focus all pre-season," Rich said.
"But it is pleasing to see some good habits and some good performances.
"The culture of the footy club is definitely heading in the right direction."
