Chris Fagan doesn't think his side's dismantling of Geelong in last year's grand final will count for much when the Brisbane Lions host the rematch at the Gabba.
The sides will clash on Thursday for the first time since their 47-point win in the MCG decider last September.
Scores were level at halftime before the defending champions found another gear late in the third term and romped to a second-straight flag.
Both sides are 6-3 entering the clash, separated on the table by just four percentage points.
The sides have met five times in finals games since 2020, with the Cats up 3-2 in those games and 26-21 in all encounters.
"Three weeks earlier we got our pants pulled down and each time we play anything can happen ... one result doesn't indicate the next," Fagan said when asked if the one-sided nature of the final had changed the narrative of their rivalry.
"If we play our best footy we're a chance to beat them and they'd think the same way.
"The grand final was a long time ago and you move on pretty quickly.
"For us it's just like, whenever you play Geelong it's a healthy rivalry built out of respect."
Lions star Jarrod Berry (calf) and experienced defender Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) both attempted to prove their fitness at Tuesday's training.
But Fagan said Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring) pulled up sore after Friday's defeat of Carlton and won't play, while Ty Gallop (hamstring) is hobbled despite overcoming the concussion that ruled him out of the Blues clash.
Noah Answerth will also remain sidelined until doctors give the tough-as-nails defender the all-clear to return after a series of tough knocks.
"In the long run it's actually good for your list to be tested, particularly early in the year," Fagan said of the upside to the side's consistent injury toll this year.
