The Brisbane Lions are on a historic quest, aiming to join the elite club of three-time AFL premiers. However, a startling statistic poses a significant challenge: only one team in the past century has managed to secure the premiership after finishing in the bottom four for points conceded by the 18th round. This team, Melbourne in 1940, defied the odds by winning the grand final despite their defensive shortcomings. The Lions currently rank 15th in points conceded, a defensive profile that has rarely led to premiership success. As Champion Data analyst Daniel Hoyne points out, this is a remarkable anomaly, with only a one in 100 chance of Brisbane repeating the feat. The Lions' ongoing defensive issues were evident in their recent win over Geelong, where they conceded 30 shots. With seven weeks to go until the finals, the pressure is on Brisbane to improve their defense if they are to challenge for the premiership. The team's offensive brilliance, however, has earned them a place among the top contenders, alongside Fremantle and Sydney. The Lions' journey to the top is a fascinating study in the delicate balance between offensive prowess and defensive stability. As they prepare to face bottom-of-the-table Essendon, the question remains: can they defy history and secure the premiership?
