For Brisbane fans, 2015 shapes as a year of excitement, having glimpsed possibilities in 2014 before experience was added to their young list in the off-season.
In 2014, Brisbane flexed their young muscles with their 54-point demolition of their rivals the Gold Coast Suns in Round 18, and had a hard-fought, emotion-driven victory over North Melbourne in Round 15.
The talent on their list can only improve over another preseason and one has to think that the Lions will be more consistent.
In Matthew Leuenberger and Stefan Martin the Lions have one of the most competitive ruck positions, and a well-mixed midfield featuring Dayne Beams, Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff. Allen Christensen and youngsters James Aish and rising star Lewis Taylor. It’s a solid foundation for success.
However the immediate future may not be so bright. Fans have the right to expect fewer 80-point losses, but only the most optimistic followers will hope for a trouble-free season.
Although he was less productive later in his career, Jonathan Brown’s retirement leaves a gaping hole in their attack. Michael Close has already put his hand up as the next key forward for the Lions, however the 20-year-old will need time to develop. Down back there will still be reliance on Daniel Merrett (assuming he is not up forward) while key position defenders develop further. If the team doesn’t constantly develop and see new players stand-up, there is a risk of over-reliance on particular players, which will hurt them.
Although the Lions are thin in some stocks, they have enough young promise and a potentially elite midfield, meaning 2015 could prove more successful than expected. It also seems that the Brisbane key-position players in attack and defence seem to be developing at a similar rate.
All things going well, Brisbane should peak in a couple of years, and when they do they will be very good.
Even if the Lions don’t set the world on fire in 2015, it is vitally important their young talent continues to develop. It’s an exciting year for the Lions that will confirm whether they are headed for the top.
So long as development continues and they don’t rely on veterans to carry the team, the Lions will improve on their 2014 season and show their potential for a bright future.
Prediction: thirteenth.
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