But there’s just as much reason to suggest it’s the exact opposite and that surprising run of defeats will only serve to make the defending premiers dangerously motivated to take on the Lions, a side the Platypi love knocking off no matter the situation.

Ask Lions fullback Barton Young and it’s the latter.

“I think they’d be itching for a win,” he said.

“I actually couldn’t believe it when I figured out they’d lost four games in a row, they haven’t been in this situation in the last few years and I don’t think they’d really enjoy it either, so I think they’ll be coming over with plenty of motivation.”

So much of Forbes’ potency in attack comes from mercurial halfback Mahe Fangupo and it’s no surprise the Platypi’s losing run has come while he’s been sidelined with injury, but Young says whether he plays or not the defending premiers have danger men across the paddock and can’t be taken lightly.

Not when the Lions are still battling to find their mojo with ball in hand as well.

“We defended a lot better (in last week’s loss) to Emus than we did the week before against Bulldogs, that was a positive,” he said, the greens blowing that scoreline out to 40-5 through sheer weight of possession.

“But we still need to work on controlling the pill and getting ourselves a fair share of possession, you can’t score points without the ball after all.

“Emus would’ve had 80 per cent of possession last weekend and when we did have it we didn’t use it particularly well, so that’s the biggest focus for us.

“In the past we’ve had game-breakers in our side that can turn a game in one play and we don’t have that as much this year, so we need to try and produce consistent, well-rounded performances and we’re still working towards that.

“Hopefully we can get the job done.”

Orange City hosts defending premiers Forbes from 3.15pm at Pride Park.