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Sport
Murray Wenzel

Fagan wary not to tamper with Daniher 'sweet spot'

Brisbane's Joe Daniher (left) gets congratulations from Zac Bailey after one of his four goals. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Chris Fagan's being careful not to jinx it.

Joe Daniher is in full flight for Brisbane, a four-goal haul in a defeat of Gold Coast on Saturday taking him to 28 majors this season, with 21 of those coming in his last six games.

The Lions' key forward was widely criticised in a goalless performance against the Western Bulldogs in round three.

But the former Bombers star has been front and centre in the side's seven-game winning streak since that off night.

And while Fagan pointed out that critics were always quick to pile onto Daniher after a quiet showing, the coach was hesitant to lay on the praise after his latest efforts.

"I'm not talking him up," he smirked when asked if a big season beckoned for his moustachioed left-footer.

"But ever since that (Bulldogs) game he's played well, and been good in the ruck too.

"He's played some terrific football, making the most of his chances and making others around him better too."

Daniher has booted 28 majors to go with 14 behinds this season, effectively mirroring his career accuracy across 161 AFL games that peaked with a 65-goal haul in 2017.

On Saturday, he drilled his first with confidence on the run from 50 metres and sealed the game with a clever snap in the fourth, missing just one set shot from a tricky angle.

Fagan agreed he was oozing confidence but admitted nothing much had changed.

"Don't put the moz on him," Fagan repeated with a grin, despite acknowledging that the famously private Daniher claims not to read his press.

"But the funny part about it is people might think he must be practising more, doing this or that.

"He's just doing what he's always done, and in a sweet spot at the moment.

"Happy in life, happy in his footy club and playing some good football."

Brisbane moved to 8-2 with their seventh-straight win, Fagan maintaining the theme ahead of Sunday's date with the Crows at Adelaide Oval.

"They're pretty good there; we're ready for that challenge, that'll be great for us," he said.

"We're setting up our season well, but there's such a long way to go, we shouldn't get too excited."

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