A loss to Gold Coast would not present a "doomsday scenario" as the Brisbane Lions attempt to kickstart their floundering AFL season, midfielder Jarrod Berry insists.
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But the 26-year-old conceded the Lions do need to look after co-captain Lachie Neale as the two-time Brownlow medallist struggles with tags and attention from opposition players.
Last season's grand finalists are 2-5 heading into Sunday's QClash against the Suns, who are sitting comfortably at 4-3.
But Berry wouldn't be drawn on the significance of another defeat.
"It's an important game, no doubt," he said.
"But win or lose, we still play the same way. It's not like (the media) make it out to be, it's not a doomsday scenario."
Berry insisted the Lions still had the same hunger they showed in 2023.
"We just haven't got the results we've been after, but it's definitely there," he said.
"When we're not going as well as we want to, like this, this is where (it's) backs-to-the-wall sort of stuff.
"We like being the underdog and it's our opportunity to come out and prove to everyone that we are still that side, and start piecing together a really good season."
Neale appears destined to cop a tag from Suns co-captain Touk Miller on Sunday.
Callan Ward was the latest player to get under Neale's skin, with the star Lion receiving a fine for striking the Greater Western Sydney veteran.
"He's our best player so we do need to look after him, we do need to help him through those tags," Berry said.
"Teams are coming after him and doing that and trying to get under his skin.
"Unfortunately, on the weekend it was the retaliation that got called. There was plenty of niggle going the other way that wasn't called.
"Like your parents say, it's the retaliator that always gets caught. Lachie will be better next week."
The QClash will be a special game for Berry, who will go toe-to-toe with his younger brother Tom.
A former Lion, Tom is in his second year at the Suns and has thrived under new coach Damien Hardwick.
"He's playing with (the) confidence and freedom that you need to play with to be a successful AFL player," the older Berry said.
"It's awesome that 'Dimma' can bring that out of him.
"Because we knew he's always had it, it's just whether or not the coach had that trust in him to do it.
"You can see that he's got (that trust) now."
Australian Associated Press
