AFL round four 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from the Gabba in Brisbane
They won just four of seven home games last season, then retained their title with an 8-4 Gabba record and continued their impressive away form.
But the Bulldogs’ delight in beating the Lions was clearly evident last month, with the club under the spotlight more than ever in search of a three-peat.
“When we dominated here for a few years, teams didn’t take us that seriously and we were just on the rise,” Fagan said.
“Now when teams come here, they know that we are a good football club and they prepare themselves for this task and we need to work harder too.”
This mission will be complicated by a lack of defensive options; Fagan was once again forced to be agile following injuries to Noah Answerth (concussion) and Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) in the win over St Kilda.
Already suspended captain and key defender Harris Andrews was missing, while Hugh McCluggage (calf) will not return.
Fagan deployed young forward Ty Gallop to the backline last week in the latest example of the team’s creativity that has helped them score back-to-back flags.
He stated that Gallop will play a similar role this week, while Keidean Coleman will drop into the back six after playing mostly as a forward against the Saints.
Darragh Joyce and James Tunstill were called in to replace the injured pair.
“All our injuries seem to be backline centred,” Fagan chuckled on Wednesday.
“We have to be innovative and play well together as a team.
“But our midfield is still strong, our forward line is still strong. We’re still putting a good team on the field and we’re quite optimistic about our chances.”
The Magpies won by 52 points at the Gabba last year and edged the Lions in the 2023 grand final, but the Lions have won their last two MCG meetings, including last year’s preliminary final.
“It can be talked about,” Fagan said of last year’s Easter observance.
“There is a strong competitive structure.
“When you play a team in a grand final… it starts a rivalry. It existed before this to some extent, but it’s stronger these days, so it will be tomorrow night.”
Fagan chuckled again when asked if Magpies star Nick Daicos would get the tag.
“I won the bet… Every time we play Collingwood someone asks that question and can’t figure out why,” he smiled.
“We talked about it a little bit this week. There are plans, I’m not sure which ones we’re going to go with yet.”
“We also think we have a pretty good midfield.”
AAP
