MIDFIELDER Michael Rischitelli says the Brisbane Lions are making progress with their ability to control tight games and that a much-needed win isn’t far away.
Rischitelli rated highly among the Lions’ best in their agonising eight-point loss to North Melbourne on Saturday night, racking up 14 second-quarter disposals en route to a career-high 30 for the game.
It was the third time in five weeks the Lions had lost after leading late in the last quarter but Rischitelli believes their composure is on the improve – even if it isn’t yet at the level it needs to be.
”Most definitely,” Rischitelli said, when asked if a win in a close game was imminent.
”Composure is something you can’t really work on at training too much and it’s all about making the right decisions late in a game. We’re making progress but time will tell.
”We need to keep fighting and find a way. Instead of doing it for three and a half quarters, we’ve got to do it for a whole game.
”Little slips are really costing us.”
Despite the frustration of Saturday night’s defeat, Lions coach Leigh Matthews was in a positive enough frame of mind when he spoke to the press in the aftermath of the Roos clash.
Rischitelli said Matthews was keen to keep spirits up ahead of a tough run towards September that features matches against Hawthorn (second), the Western Bulldogs (third), Carlton (11th) and the Sydney Swans (fourth).
The Lions may need to win three of those games to play finals.
”Obviously Leigh was disappointed – we all were,” Rischitelli said.
”But he’s trying to make sure we don’t go into our shells and lose hope. He’s reinforcing that to the guys and looking ahead to next week.”
Also among the Lions’ best against the Kangaroos were third-gamer Bradd Dalziell (34 possessions) and Albert Proud (21 touches), who was playing in only his sixth senior match.
Rischitelli said the Lions’ young midfielders were focused on stepping up and providing more consistent support to stalwarts Simon Black and Luke Power.
”Blacky and Luke do it every week but we can’t just rely on them,” he said.
”It’s good to get a role where you have a bit of freedom and have the opportunity to have a crack and lot of time on field.
“You need to take your opportunities and some of the young blokes did pretty well tonight.”
