BRISBANE coach Chris Fagan says he doesn't see the Gabba as the advantage it's being perceived as ahead of Sunday's crucial clash with St Kilda.
With the AFL season largely moving to Queensland since its resumption in June, the common belief is the Lions and Suns have a head-start on their rivals, with most matches being played at the Gabba and Metricon Stadium.
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Fagan doesn't subscribe to that theory, though.
"I read a lot where we have this amazing advantage up here because the finals might be here and all this sort of business," Fagan told reporters on Friday.
"I'm looking at St Kilda … on Sunday it'll be their fourth game on the Gabba in five weeks.
"We've played here once in the last seven I think."
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Brisbane has played just five of its 12 matches at home and will host the Saints, Collingwood and Gold Coast in the run home as it pushes for a top-four finish.
The Lions had a 10-1 win-loss record at the Gabba last year before losing finals to Richmond and GWS and have an unblemished record through five games in 2020.
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"I don't see the Gabba as an advantage to us, or the climate anymore because they've been training up here for three months," Fagan said.
"It's pretty even as far as that's concerned, I reckon."
Where the teams should be well-matched is on the field, with Brisbane in second on percentage and St Kilda just a win behind in fifth place.
Fagan said he's seen more energy from his team this week after a flat showing against North Melbourne last Saturday.
"I'm looking forward to that transferring onto the oval on Sunday," he said.
"It'll need to because St Kilda are a pretty good side."
Brisbane will welcome back Daniel Rich from suspension, while Cam Rayner is also expected to play after overcoming a hamstring injury.
Fagan made one quick comment on the week of his winger Mitch Robinson, who found himself the centre of an online storm after making comments about Richmond forward Tom Lynch.
"I read a book a long time ago titled Don't Sweat The Small Stuff.
"I reckon it's small stuff. We've had a conversation, as we do, but we've put that to bed and we're moving on."
