THE LOSS of teenager Zac Bailey to a hamstring injury may have flown under the radar for many AFL fans, but it comes at just the wrong time for Brisbane as it prepares to play Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.
Bailey has one asset the Lions lack in their back half – speed, which is something the Bombers have plenty of among their forwards.
But Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the onus is on players further up the ground, not just the back six, to limit Essendon's chances and help his team to a fourth straight win.
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"We were disappointed to lose Zac, but we've got a lot of guys playing really well in the reserves at the moment looking for an opportunity, so I'm sure we'll cover for that," Fagan said.
"The key is to try not to expose your defenders to the speed of Essendon's forward line.
"They're very good at that and every team that plays Essendon faces that challenge.
"Our ability to defend up the field is important."
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Orazio Fantasia has kicked nine goals in four games against the Lions, including five at the Gabba in 2017, while Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is fresh from four goals against Melbourne last week.
Allen Christensen or Nick Robertson look the most likely prospective replacements for Bailey and will join a settled backline of Harris Andrews, Josh Walker, Darcy Gardiner, Luke Hodge, Daniel Rich and Alex Witherden.
Depending on how the Bombers structure their team following injury to Shaun McKernan, Fagan said Gardiner could have multiple roles.
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"Essendon have played at least two tall forwards plus (Jake) Stringer for all of their games this year.
"I suspect they'll stick with that structure, and if they don't Darcy's just going to have to be a bit more versatile."
Brisbane has not won at the MCG since 2014, but Fagan said this match held no more significance than any other.
"Every time you play on the road you want to win," he said.
"Road wins are like gold, and all teams strive for them."
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