A week is a long time in football - just ask the Brisbane Lions.
Seven days ago they were accused of not "caring" by their coach, had their CEO Greg Swann concede they were "unwatchable" and were embroiled in controversy after a physical altercation between Justin Leppitsch and a rookie-listed player.
Seven days on, and there is suddenly a light at the end of the tunnel following their breakthrough nine-point win over Carlton - their first of the AFL season.
It wasn't quite enough to lift them from the bottom of the ladder but forward Daniel McStay says the pure relief coursing through the playing group - who reinforced their commitment to one another in the wake of the all drama surrounding the club - is palpable.
"It was amazing," McStay said.
"I think we're a pretty tight group, most of us being from interstate.
"We need each other.
"Look at our spine, we've got Harris Andrews in his first year, we've got five blokes in their second year.
"I don't think there's a crisis at the moment.
"I think we're still a young team, we've got a lot to improve on. We're building to something special and we've got the spine to do that."
Arguably the most important part of that spine for Brisbane at the moment is up forward, where nobody has been able to fill the role left vacant by retired club great Jonathan Brown.
That is, until Sunday, when McStay shot his hand up with a four-goal performance - one of his best in his 15-game career.
"It's always nice to kick goals," he said.
"It has been difficult.
"Michael Close was meant to be down there this year to help me but unfortunately he's gone down with a knee.
"Even Stakes (Brent Staker) was meant to be there last week but he's done his hammy.
"We've been struck with a bit of injuries for tall forwards so I'm just trying to do everything I can.
"Leppa doesn't expect me to kick four goals a game - he just expects me to play my part, bring the ball to ground when I need to and create a contest."
The Lions face Port Adelaide at the Gabba on Sunday.
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