BRISBANE Lions coach Chris Fagan has called for the roof to be closed at all Etihad Stadium matches after his players struggled to see the play during Sunday’s exciting win over the Bombers.

Fagan’s Lions upset Essendon on Sunday afternoon, but had to contend with the glaring Melbourne sun as the roof at Etihad Stadium was left open.

The Western Bulldogs and West Coast Eagles had similar issues on Saturday, while Under 18s players from Vic Country and Western Australia on Friday got a glimpse of the same problem they may face when they join AFL club ranks in coming years.

Fagan told Fox Footy’s On The Couch that his big ruckman, in particular, had major issues dealing with the Sun against Essendon.

Round 18

“It’s always been a matter of debate the roof at Etihad. I know Stef Martin had real difficultly seeing the ball at centre bounces when we were going one particularly direction,” Fagan said.

“From a coaching perspective, the vision’s terrible to look at from behind the goals because you get all different sorts of shades of light and dark.

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“I think it makes sense to have the roof closed. I’ve always thought that and I’ve always wondered why they ever bother to open it.

“Even for the spectators that sit on that side of the ground with the sun shining on their faces, it’s a very difficult spot to watch the footy.”

Despite the glaring sun, Fagan’s Lions produced a stirring win against Essendon, which was just their third victory for the season.

Former captain Tom Rockliff was among the Lions’ better players, as he continued his excellent 2017 campaign where he is averaging 28.1 disposals, 13 contested possessions and a career-high 8.2 clearances.

After failing to find a new AFL home during last year’s exchange period, Rockliff has been embraced by Fagan and has been able to “shine” under the new Lions coach.

“I wanted to judge Tommy on how he was from the moment I turned up. I knew about all the stories, so he and I had an honest chat about that. He ticked off on some and didn’t agree with others,” Fagan said.

Chris Fagan celebrates with Tom Rockliff (centre) and Dayne Zorko of the Lions. Source: Getty Images

“I think the support we’ve put in around the leadership group this year has been helpful to him. We’ve had Simon Fletcher and Ray McLean from Leading Teams, they’ve set up a good structure for us. I think people like Tommy, who’s a pretty open and honest bloke, actually fits into that system really well and he’s been able to shine. His form’s been outstanding.”

The Lions fielded clearly the youngest team in the AFL on the weekend with an average age of 23 years and three months — the youngest by well over a year. Almost half of their side had played 50 games or less.

Despite being so inexperienced, Fagan said the Lions might target experience during this year’s AFL exchange period — but only if it would help the club reach the promised land.

“We think if we can get some players that can help us move towards winning a premiership, we’d probably take some older guys,” he said.

“But if they’re not there and they’re not blokes that can come in and make a real difference, we’ll just stick with the draft for another year.”

Fagan said contracts for first-round draft picks should be extended and their salaries increased to help alleviate pressure and settle in their new clubs.

He added that the recently re-signed Josh Schache was in good form in the NEAFL and would come back when he thought he was ready.

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