A WIN was a good tonic for a young Brisbane Lions outfit trying to develop a winning habit, according to first-time coach Chris Fagan.
The Lions played in the manner Fagan wanted them to play for the first two-and-a-half quarters before fumbling and fiddling their way to a satisfying win against the reigning premiers.
The coach was not getting carried away, aware the Western Bulldogs played just nine of last year's premiership team, but he was pleased his players hung on to finish in front.
"We've got a long way to go this year but it just reminds them of what [winning] feels like and that is a good thing to be reminded of," Fagan said.
Although close to full-strength with one game of the JLT Community Series remaining, Fagan said he remained hopeful young key forward Josh Schache would be fit for round one despite suffering a low-grade medial strain last week.
Schache however will not play in the club's final pre-season series game against Adelaide.
Fagan praised new skipper Dayne Beams who showed outstanding touch in his first game back since round eight last year.
Beams sat out for most of the last quarter but finished with 24 touches.
"He showed good composure tonight," Fagan said.
"It's great to have him back and he will be better for the run."
Fagan said it will take time for the group to master the style but he said he was proud of the work the players were putting in to improve.
He said the club's first pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, Hugh McCluggage, would play the final JLT Community Series and was some chance to play in round one, while Eric Hipwood and Jake Barrett impressed in their first matches for the season.
