Brisbane Lions forward Kai Lohmann has rediscovered his form following a mid-season slump, crediting a reset and mentorship from co-captain Hugh McCluggage. After a difficult middle period in the 2026 season, the 23-year-old has surged to record 14 goals in the past month, proving his value as a high-pressure small forward.
The Role of Mentorship in Performance Recovery
Lohmann’s recent resurgence traces back to a candid conversation with Hugh McCluggage. According to Lohmann, the co-captain urged him to revisit footage of his 2024 finals campaign to recalibrate his mindset. The advice centered on replicating the defensive pressure and high-intensity movement that characterized his breakthrough season.
“He probably just reminded me of 2024, some of the stuff that I was doing in the finals,” Lohmann told reporters. By shifting his focus from goal-scoring alone to defensive pressure, Lohmann found that his scoring opportunities increased naturally as a byproduct of his work rate.
Pro Tip: Focus on Process, Not Output
Small forwards often struggle when they fixate on goal tallies. Lohmann’s success highlights how focusing on “pressure acts”—tackling and defensive positioning—creates more high-percentage scoring chances than chasing the ball directly.
Statistical Impact of the Mid-Season Pivot
The numbers reflect a distinct shift in Lohmann’s output since the mid-season bye. His recent form includes five-goal and four-goal hauls during away victories against Geelong and West Coast. This consistency marks arguably the best month of his career, a significant recovery after an injury-plagued first half of 2025.
| Metric | Performance Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent Output | 14 goals in the past month |
| Key Wins | Away victories vs. Geelong & West Coast |
Pressure as a Catalyst for Scoring
Lohmann emphasizes that his role as a small forward is inherently limited by opportunity, making defensive pressure the only metric he can fully control. “I feel like if my pressure is good every week, then I’m playing my role, so I’m just lucky the goals are coming as well,” he stated. This philosophy mirrors his performance in the 2024 Grand Final, where he acted as a firestarter for the Lions, scoring two goals in a single minute to shift momentum.
Did you know?
During the 2024 Grand Final, Sydney opened with the first two goals of the match. It was Kai Lohmann’s rapid-fire response that brought the Lions back to level terms, setting the stage for their eventual runaway victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Hugh McCluggage help Kai Lohmann?
McCluggage advised Lohmann to watch game tape from the 2024 finals. This helped Lohmann remember his specific movement patterns and the intensity of his defensive pressure, which had dropped during his mid-season slump.
Why is defensive pressure important for small forwards?
Small forwards often receive fewer possessions than midfielders. By prioritizing pressure, players like Lohmann create turnovers and opportunities for teammates, which often leads to more scoring chances for themselves.
What has been the highlight of Lohmann’s recent month?
Lohmann has kicked 14 goals in the past month, including significant bags of five and four goals in away matches against Geelong and West Coast.
Are you a fan of the Lions’ offensive strategy this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more AFL player analysis.
Related reading