Brisbane Lions star Hugh McCluggage knows his goal kicking has not been where he wanted it this year but he is working hard on the track to fix it.
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The emerging wingman, who was named for the second straight year in the 22-under-22 side and the 40-man All-Australian squad, has kicked seven goals and 20 behinds this season.
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It's the one flaw in his game the former first round draft pick is trying to eradicate.
"I'm figuring it out and I have had a lot of close ones on the run which maybe just snuck through last year and this year they have hit the post or just missed," the 22-year-old told AFL.com.au.
"I'm definitely doing a lot at training and a lot of stuff with my routine but I think in the moment it is just about playing on instinct and kicking instead of thinking too much."
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McCluggage will be a critical cog in the Lions' midfield, which includes Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lyons, and Dayne Zorko, as Chris Fagan's side strives for premiership glory.
The Brisbane Lions leadership group member is above average for metres gained and kicks this season. He is also elite for score involvements.
The South Warrnambool export and his Lions teammates take on Richmond in the second qualifying final on Friday night.
Last season's eventual premiers Richmond got the better of Fagan's troops with a 47-point win before the GWS Giants ended their return to finals in straight sets with a three-point victory.
McCluggage played in both finals last year, collecting 23 disposals and kicking a goal against the Tigers before collecting another 23 and kicking two behinds in the close loss to the Giants.
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