The Lions have improved each week across the pre-season and now approach their season opener against Fremantle at the Gabba (on Saturday 26 March) with a great deal of momentum.
“It was important for our guys to win and gain some more confidence heading into Round 1 against the Dockers,” Black said.
“After a pretty ordinary start to the pre-season, we’ve enjoyed a good period over the past two weeks.”
Black said that while it was only a practice match, the Lions were certainly pleased to come out victors in the first ever QClash between the two neighbouring Queensland sides.
“I didnt think there was much niggle between the two teams, Black said.
“But no doubt the rivalry will heat up substantially when we meet them in Round 7 at the Gabba.”
The Lions’ emphatic win wasn’t without drama, with ruckman Matthew Leuenberger giving his team-mates - and Lions fans - a fright after being taken from the field in the third term with a suspected knee injury.
Fortunately it proved nothing more than severe cramping and the 22 year-old was able to return late in the game.
“I was actually out there when Leuey went down and I thought he’d done his knee for sure,” Black said.
“I was a bit distracted out on the ground for the next couple of minutes and really felt for the guy. It was the last thing we needed.”
“But everyone was so relieved when Vossy mentioned at our three-quarter time huddle that he just had cramp.”
“Leuey is such a critical part of our team. If he’s not there, then it means Mitch Clark has to play in the ruck and we have to reshuffle our forward line,” he said.
“Leuey has been in good shape and has had a good pre-season. His tap work on the weekend was terrific. He’s got that mature body for a ruckman now. He’s definitely filled out looks set for a really good year.”
