Boosted Lions? How Bailey’s re-signing will help Brisbane

The Brisbane Lions previously mauled the Adelaide Crows by 52 points earlier this season, but can they repeat that feat on Saturday?

Before conceding a shock Qualifying Final loss to the undermanned Swans last week, Brisbane were actually the premiership favourites, yet they now face the potential of spiralling out of the finals in straight sets.

In good news, on Tuesday, star Lion Zac Bailey signed a monster eight-year contract extension, knocking back a mega deal from the Crows – the Lions’ opponents in their Semi-Final clash on Saturday.

So how will that Bailey re-signing influence the Lions' playing group?

Former Port Adelaide and new Tassie coach, Ken Hinkley, admitted that the Bailey news will absolutely boost Brisbane throughout this week, but that won’t help anything come gameday.

“It will (boost the Lions) through the week,” started Hinkley on SEN’s Sportsday.

“It'll create a bit of energy. I think that would be important because they're coming off a pretty poor performance.

“So, anytime you can lift the energy of the group through that is important, but it won't help come gameday.

“I mean Zac just needs to play well, that will help more than anything. And I'll tell you what, about five or six of his midfield teammates also need to help.”

When looking at Adelaide’s avenue to victory in this Semi-Final clash, Hinkley revealed that the Crows must win the territory battle, whilst limiting Brisbane’s transition from defence to forward.

“If Adelaide win, they’ve got to win the territory battle. They've got to be able to lock it in their half and not let the Lions transition and mark the ball,” Hinkley added.

“If they can get on top around the contest, around the stoppages, (that’s how Adelaide can win), but I probably think Brisbane, if they play at their best, will get on top.

“(Izak) Rankine's in amazing form. Jordan Dawson's been outstanding all year. (Sam) Berry's been a gun for them this year with his hardness.

“Gee, it'd be a good time for (Riley Thilthorpe) to have a big, big game, wouldn't it?”

Hinkley finished by tipping the Lions, siding with their home ground advantage at the Gabba.

This Semi-Final clash will take place at 7:30pm on Saturday night.