Are Brisbane a second-tier team at the moment?

It sounds preposterous to say, given they’re aiming for back-to-back-to-back flags in 2026, but Kane Cornes is certain they’re somewhat off the pace at Round 10.

Thursday’s 76-117 loss to Geelong at the Gabba resigned the Lions to a 6-4 record, and perhaps the most concerning part of their game has been points against, with teams scoring 100 or more against them in all their defeats.

After giving up just four triple-figure scores in 2025 from 27 games, there are obvious warning signs.

With that in mind, Cornes and his SEN Breakfast co-host David King discussed where things sit for the Lions through 10 games.

King: “I didn't really know how to frame it because they've been bulletproof for the best part of three or four years.

“But, 111 points they conceded to the Dogs, 104 to Sydney, 104 to Melbourne and 117 last night against Geelong. That's the four stiffest opponents they've had so far this season.

“The rest they’ve played St Kilda, Collingwood, North Melbourne, the Crows, Essendon and Carlton. So, you're expecting them to win those games and keep their numbers or their stats intact.

“But against the best, they haven't defensively been as viable as they were last year. The gap's about three goals a game.

“So, do we too quickly just arrive at blind faith with the Lions, or do we have to just reassess what we're seeing in real time?”

Cornes: “It's a very good discussion, and I think they are second tier at the moment.”

King: “Second tier, you think?”

Cornes: “Just the rung underneath the Swans and Freo. I think Geelong are probably half a tier above that next group.

“But on any given day, I just think Sydney and Freo right now are the standouts with the way that they are playing. Then Hawthorn, Geelong, Brisbane are on that second tier, and then there's a drop off to the next.

“But I mean, they do have some key outs, and I just think for Brisbane, they'll be able to manage the season.

“They've still got Berry to come back, Hipwood perhaps at some point, Oscar Allen a long way down the line.”

King: “Eric Hipwood, do you reckon?”

Cornes: “It’s about depth. Logan Morris one out is a tough gig for him. He should really be the Gunston, the third tall in that forward line… a lot of people are pointing out there’s improvement to come from Brisbane.”

Brisbane will travel to western Sydney to face the Giants next Sunday afternoon.