NO HARRIS Andrews? No problem, says Brisbane coach, Chris Fagan.
FULL INJURY LIST Who's ruled out and who's a test?
Andrews will miss Saturday's match against Hawthorn in Launceston through suspension, but if the past two seasons are anything to go by, the Lions will be no worse off without one of the competition's best defenders.
"I'm actually quite excited to tell you the truth," Fagan said with a cheeky smile on Thursday.
"That sounds like a weird answer, but Harris pointed out to me the other night he's missed six games over the last 18 months and five of them we've won, so it's actually a good sign."
The Lions have barely missed a beat whenever Harris Andrews has been unavailable. Picture: AFL Photos
It's a statistical quirk Fagan has no clear explanation for.
During four matches without its vice-captain last season, Brisbane defeated Fremantle, Carlton and Hawthorn, and lost to Adelaide by five points.
In the two matches Andrews missed with a hamstring injury earlier this year, the Lions took care of Gold Coast and Sydney.
Josh Walker will take his place against the Hawks.
"Harris is a unique player and having a great season, but Josh Walker's ability to play that role is very strong as well," Fagan said.
"You're going to have good players out from time to time.
"We had it a few weeks ago against Port Adelaide where we didn't have (Luke) Hodge, we didn't have (Hugh) McCluggage, we didn't have (Eric) Hipwood but we were able to go over there, everybody played their role and we were able to come away with a good result.
"This week is no different.
"It's part of building a great side. At different stages over the course of a journey you face adversity … and you have to adapt and adjust and the opportunity to do that is a good way to build resilience."
Fagan described Hawthorn as one of the AFL's in-form teams, with three straight wins, including victories over flag fancies Geelong and Collingwood.
Brisbane has won the past three matches against Alastair Clarkson's men, including one in round nine by 19 points at the Gabba.
"That'd be no doubt motivation for Hawthorn, we understand that, but we've got our own motivations too with what we want to achieve.
"It's going to be a really tough game, I'm sure."
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