Sports - AFL
Harris Andrews Says Brisbane Pre-Season Comes Before Three-Peat Talk
Harris Andrews insists Brisbane Lions are prioritising pre-season preparation over chasing a third straight flag.
Brisbane Lions captain Harris Andrews says the team is focused on the here and now as they kick off pre-season, rather than dwelling on the prospect of a third consecutive premiership.
Speaking after the Lions' first training session in Queensland's sweltering heat on Monday, Andrews joked that his main concern was the weather rather than history.
The Lions are chasing a three-peat, aiming to become only the third side of the century to claim three consecutive flags, following Brisbane's run from 2001-03 and Hawthorn's 2013-15 streak.
Andrews stressed that the pre-Christmas training block is the priority.
He said the team is taking pre-season "block by block," focusing on building fitness, sharpening skills, and fostering cohesion among players, including newcomers stepping into leadership roles.
The Lions' path to their past two premierships was far from straightforward, finishing fifth in 2024 and losing the 2025 qualifying final before prevailing in the finals.
With competition for spots intensifying after the arrivals of Oscar Allen from West Coast and Sam Draper from Essendon, Andrews says no one at Springfield is taking success for granted.
Winning premierships is enjoyable, he admitted, but complacency has no place in Brisbane's camp.
The focus remains on improving individually and collectively, breaking down objectives session by session, and maintaining motivation throughout the pre-season.
"We recognise that our game is going to have to continue to improve, each player is going to have to get a little bit better," Andrews said. "I am really confident the guys are motivated."
Brisbane's methodical approach aims to ensure the team is not only physically ready but also tightly connected as they prepare to defend their title in 2026.
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