TonyK
CibbuanoBrown not our biggest threat, says Bassett
June 20th 2008 00:09
BRISBANE'S midfield poses a bigger threat than key forward Jonathan Brown at the Gabba on Saturday night, according to Adelaide defender Nathan Bassett.
Bassett said while Brown was one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition, it is Brisbane's midfield that needs to be stopped if Adelaide is going to extend their three-game winning streak against the Lions
"In many ways Brisbane's midfield is our biggest threat," Bassett said.
"The Lions have got quality, 10-year players in their midfield who are as good as anyone in the competition (most notably Simon Black and Luke Power). That's their real strength.
"Brown's a terrific player who's in good form and when he has one of his days he's very difficult to beat. But if we can beat them in the middle, then I think we'll win."
Brown has struggled in his nine matches against Adelaide, averaging just one goal and 10 disposals a game, which is well below his career averages of 15 disposals and two goals a match.
"I think there's two reasons for that," Bassett said.
"One is that we've had a pretty good opponent on him in Ben Rutten. Physically, they match up pretty well.
"Secondly, I think we've also played well against the Lions in the midfield and probably defensively offered 'Truck' a bit of support."
Brown, who has booted 39 goals this season, said facing Adelaide was a tough assignment given their ability to put players behind the ball.
"They block up their defensive area pretty well," he said.
"So it will be a hard day at the office."
Bassett said while Brown was one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition, it is Brisbane's midfield that needs to be stopped if Adelaide is going to extend their three-game winning streak against the Lions
"In many ways Brisbane's midfield is our biggest threat," Bassett said.
"The Lions have got quality, 10-year players in their midfield who are as good as anyone in the competition (most notably Simon Black and Luke Power). That's their real strength.
"Brown's a terrific player who's in good form and when he has one of his days he's very difficult to beat. But if we can beat them in the middle, then I think we'll win."
Brown has struggled in his nine matches against Adelaide, averaging just one goal and 10 disposals a game, which is well below his career averages of 15 disposals and two goals a match.
"I think there's two reasons for that," Bassett said.
"One is that we've had a pretty good opponent on him in Ben Rutten. Physically, they match up pretty well.
"Secondly, I think we've also played well against the Lions in the midfield and probably defensively offered 'Truck' a bit of support."
Brown, who has booted 39 goals this season, said facing Adelaide was a tough assignment given their ability to put players behind the ball.
"They block up their defensive area pretty well," he said.
"So it will be a hard day at the office."
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