Jarrod Berry has compiled a long list of lessons learnt across four shortlived AFL finals campaigns, but there is one that stands out for the Brisbane wing.
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"The main thing I've learned is you've got to win finals more than once," he said.
"Teams always come back."
The Lions will enter a fifth-straight post-season seeking their first grand final appearance under Chris Fagan, believing it's their best chance of winning a flag.
Pipping Port Adelaide on percentage for second, they will host the Power at the Gabba next Saturday night.
"They're the first stepping stone in what we want to achieve," he said.
"They shocked us in round one and really took it to us; we'll be preparing for a bit of a war."
Brisbane finished sixth last year but bucked a poor finals record to beat Richmond and Melbourne before losing to eventual premiers Geelong in the preliminary final.
Berry starred in their tough MCG defeat of the Demons, collecting 22 of his 26 disposals in the second half when he was moved to tag star midfielder Clayton Oliver.
Port's midfield is similarly stacked but Berry hinted he wasn't likely to reprise a role he hasn't played since that night.
"I always had the confidence to be able to do it but my role for the team is a different role, not necessarily doing that week in, week out," he said.
"It's awesome to give the coaching staff that lever to pull if we need to at some point.
"The game changes quarter by quarter, moment by moment (but) I haven't done too much of that sort of role this year, we've sort of backed our guys in the midfield to do the job."
Brisbane have finished in the top four all but once in the previous four seasons, but have a 3-6 finals record to show for it.
"Four finals series in a row; we've learnt plenty from those great Richmond teams, even the Geelong team that won it last year," Berry said.
"Finals is about moments and if you can win more of those it holds you in good stead."
And he hopes those moments are seized more efficiently than last Saturday, when Brisbane kicked 9.18 to sneak past St Kilda by just 12 points and complete an unbeaten regular season at the Gabba.
BRISBANE'S FINALS CAMPAIGNS UNDER CHRIS FAGAN
2019: Finished regular season in second; lost to Richmond and GWS.
2020: Second; beat Richmond, lost to Geelong.
2021: Fourth; lost to Melbourne and Western Bulldogs.
2022: Sixth; beat Richmond and Melbourne, lost to Geelong.
Australian Associated Press
