Brisbane hold crisis meeting after reports wild off-season trip to US caused major rift between players

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
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VideoThe Brisbane Lions have held a crisis meeting after reports a 'wild' US players trip caused a major fallout.

Brisbane have held a crisis meeting after reports a wild off-season trip to the US caused a major fallout between players.

Following a heartbreaking grand final loss to Collingwood, a contingent of Lions headed to the United States late last year.

But rumours of a rift began to circulate as the club slumped to a shocking 0-3 start, including losses to Carlton and Collingwood at the Gabba.

Brisbane did not lose a single game at the Queensland fortress last season.

The club’s leaders were forced to hold an emergency meeting on Good Friday, which addressed the off-season holiday.

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It is understood one of the players on the trip accidentally uploaded a WhatsApp group chat between teammates to his Apple iCloud.

His partner back in Australia reportedly read messages that detailed the wild antics that were going on overseas.

It’s understood she then told partners of other players what had been discussed in the group chat, which resulted in the end of some relationships and friction in others.

The Lions denied their winless start was the result of any rifts amongst the playing group, instead blaming their on-field performance.

Camera IconBrisbane are 0-3 to start the season. Credit: Albert Perez/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Brisbane gave up leads of 46 points against Carlton in opening round, before coughing up a 25-point lead to Fremantle at Optus Stadium in round one.

The Lions were then knocked over by reigning premiers Collingwood on Thursday night, to start the season 0-3.

Brisbane have a golden opportunity against the struggling North Melbourne at Norwood Oval on Friday in Gather Round, before a tough trio of games against Melbourne (MCG), Geelong (Gabba) and Greater Western Sydney (Manuka Oval).

Originally published as Brisbane hold crisis meeting after reports US off-season trip caused major rift between players

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