Can Brisbane’s talented youngsters carry the burden and spark a rise up the AFL ladder?
Brisbane are certainly capable of improving on last season’s 13th-place finish but the emergence of a number of promising midfield players will be heavily relied upon to do so.
The Lions’ already talent-laden midfield of veteran Simon Black, Tom Rockliff and Daniel Rich will only be boosted by the enormous improvement of Jack Redden, who was outstanding last year, Dayne Zorko, former Melbourne onballer Brent Moloney and some pinch hitting from defenders such as Pearce Hanley and Andrew Raines.
Throw in the inexperienced Josh Green, Claye Beams and number 12 draft pick Sam Docherty and there are a decent number of proficient players rotating through the middle for Michael Voss.
It will be in the centre of the ground where the Lions will win and lose matches, as they will require plenty of ball going forward in order to kick winning scores with a suspect forward line.
Obviously a lot hinges on the form of skipper Jonathan Brown, who shrugged off a number of niggles to end up with 47 goals last season. The powerful forward needs plenty of assistance inside 50 and it’s difficult to see where exactly that will come from, especially with the possibility of Daniel Merrett returning to defence to assist reigning club champion Joel Patfull.
The loss of ruckman Ben Hudson will provide a gap but Matthew Leuenberger’s return from injury should fill that void and allow the aforementioned centre line to get first use of the Sherrin.
There is plenty to like about a number of other youngsters including Sam Mayes, Rohan Bewick, Jared Polec, Mitch Golby, Marco Paparone, Patrick Karnezis and Billy Longer but it remains to be seen if Voss’ inexperienced brigade can produce consistently at the top level.
With a limited array of quality players outside the top 22, it could be a so-so season for Brisbane if injuries happen to hit and I’m tipping them to finish around the same position as they did in 2012.
Key players
Jonathan Brown – The inspirational skipper does not have as much influence as in the past but is still a key factor for the Lions.
Tom Rockliff – Now an elite midfielder, the 2011 Best and Fairest winner is vital to Brisbane’s midfield setup.
Daniel Rich – Ball winner with a damaging left boot. Always prepared to put his body on the line.
Break out potential
Jared Polec – Now in this third season. Whisper is that he hasn’t been in great shape in the early stages of his career but with some extra professionalism can become a star.
Matthew Leuenberger – Back from injury and ready to become an All-Australian ruckman.
Mitch Golby – 21 games defender/midfielder whose 2012 campaign was ended prematurely by a foot injury. With fitness will become a more consistent performer.
Promising youngsters
Patrick Karnezis – Tall half-forward capable of pushing into midfield. 18 AFL games thus far and could become a valuable contributor in 2013.
Sam Mayes – Forward who is being tipped to spend some time developing in midfield. Great credentials and highly-rated at Brisbane.
Sam Docherty – Number 12 pick from Phillip Island is fully fit after a hip injury which limited his 2012 pre-season. Possesses poise and superb skills out of defence.
Key inclusions
Brent Moloney – Bullocking midfielder from Melbourne. Career-best 2011 saw him take out Demons’ Best and Fairest and poll well in the Brownlow (19 votes). Will add grunt to the Lions’ midfield
Stefan Martin – Also from Melbourne, the athletic ruckman missed most of 2012 with a hip problem. Could add some spark both in the middle and around the ground.
Notable departures
Josh Drummond – retired
Ben Hudson – Collingwood
Amon Buchanan – retired
Predicted finish: 13th
Have a punt on the Lions:
Jack Redden – Most Super Coach points for Mids, Group 3: $8
Brisbane to win NAB Cup: $7
Macca
Guest
While there are obviously good signs for the lions let's not forget the 2 of the 3 wins have come against the Suns and the Giants. The other was against a Hawthorn side that lost to the suns.
ShedderTom
Guest
The Nb Cup indicates that the Lions have som good young players in reserves. Their reseres won both NEAFL Premierships in 2012, which so far has een disregarded by commentators. ASaron Cornelius kicking 5.4 at WAgga Wagga on Saturday ight shows they can get on and win games without Jonathn Brown.Next weeks match againsthe Pies, and if they win that against Carlton will demonstrate that the Lions are made of sterner stuff than has been admitted so far by a group of Melblourbe-centric commentators.
Pollock
Guest
Personal opinion only but think Rischatelli would be in the top 22. Mind you it doesn't really matter much as all are gone. Bring on round 1.
The Tarje
Guest
There seems to actually be competition for spots now at brisbane which is the main thing that has been missing for the last few years. As much as it sucked loosing Brennan, Rischa and Sherman. I don't think either three are in our best 22 now. Not getting my hopes up to highly but watching games this year there will at least be optimism! Hasn't been any of that for years!
Macca
Guest
I'd have to agee here, the Lions are on the right path but when oyu look at the teams that finished 9-12 last year I think the Lions are behind all of them by a long way (although they would be closer to the Saints) and which team form the 8 would fall below 13th?
Pollock
Guest
What about Staker if he can stay injury free he and Brown would be a pretty formidable forward combination and with that mid field feeding them it could be good. As long as injuries are not as harsh as last year a finals berth is not out of the question.
Adam
Guest
The lions forward line is not receiving much hype and rightfully so based on last year, but there will be some under the radar players that will be given an opportunity this year that if they play to potential, the lions will be quite dominant. Jordan Lisle had injuries last year and played the last 5 games with some success. he is a good lead up forward and can take a strong mark. Brent Staker comes back and adds a key target up forward and is versatile enough to float back if they want to put merret up forward. Todd Banfield comes back from injury and is a good little roving forward who can kick a few when given the opportunity. watch for clay Beams to play of a forward flank and kick the long ball deep similiar to Clinton Youngs role at the hawks. This will allow Brown to travel no further than 40 metres from goal and kick 60 for the year. i expect it all to click this year for the Lions and for them to finish between 7 at best and 10 at worst. alot of potential in this squad that those south of the border underestimate.
rl
Guest
Good analysis Andrew - great mid-field, but too many 'ifs' about the Lions for my liking: - if Merritt can really be freed up to get back to defence - if they can find enough goals up front from people not named Brown - if Leuenberger can stay fit and rediscover his 2011 form (he's a genuine game changer at his best, not that you'd think it by looking at him) Who knows, they are probably only needing one of these promising youngsters to have a break-out season. But you wouldn't bet your house on them.
lionman
Guest
i think the brissy lions will definately make the eight this year. they are a far better side than in 2012. i suggest all supporters get on with the bookies now. it is money for jam them making the 8
Matt P
Guest
If you look at the teams below the Lions in 2012, Giants, Suns, Demons, Dog and Power you could see them pulling further away from that group. In terms of moving up the ladder I feel with the exception of the Saints (and maybe the Bombers, due to the interrupted pre season) that the teams just above them are also in line for improvement The Tigers, Blues and Ross should also take steps forward in 2013 as their young lists improve. And they still haven't solved the problem of who is going to kick all their goals, outside of Jonathan Brown who was =11th in the league goal kicking table (47 Goals) no other Lion gets in the top 50 for the comp (Merritt who is a defender was at =51(26 goals)), next after these two is Rich with 20 goals. They really need a Kirt Tippitt 50 goal a season foil for J Brown if they are to improve For mind I think that 11-13 is about where the Lions will sit in 2013
Alfred Chan
Expert
Stefan Martin is going to have a huge year. With the amount of attention which goes to J.Brown, the second tall forward always had plenty of room to move last year. Unfortunately Karnezis and Cornealius weren't strong enough to win one-on-one but Stefan Martin is a monster of a man. He'll free of Merritt to play down back and the Lions should improve this year.
Matt F
Roar Guru
A key thing to remember about the Lions last year is that their back half of the season was a big improvement on the start of their season, so they continued to improve throughout the year. After starting the year 2-5 they went 8-7 from round 8 onwards. Also because they're not from an AFL city they don't get as much coverage as similar level teams in Melbourne so they can fly under the radar. The 4 game gap between them and the 8th placed Roos is probably too big to make up, and the fact that Carlton, Essendon and Richmond should all improve a fair bit this year won't help their finals chances but, given they're extremely kind draw, I can see the Lions challenging for a finals spot. Ultimately I think they'll fall just short and finish around 9th or 10th. Anything below that should probably be considered a disappointing season.
Andrew Slevison
Roar Rookie
Fair assessment from both of you but just feel there are better teams above the Lions. Anything could happen but with the reliance on a number of youngsters, I just feel they may not have the consistency to push on.
Dingo
Guest
The Lions should be a tougher unit at home this year and if they can win 7 or even 8 of those games, plus pick up a possible 5 or 6 on the road, that should put them inside the eight. Injuries will play a significant part in their season as with every club, but with some luck and continuing improvement, they could be there abouts.
TomC
Roar Guru
Lots of uncertainty around how the Lions will go in 2013, so everyone takes the conservative approach and tips them to finish in the same spot they did last year. It's always hard to assess your own side's chances, but I'm getting more and more confident that the Lions will head up the ladder in 2013. It wasn't just the way they easily brushed aside a tired Hawthorn and an inexperienced Gold Coast on Saturday night, but also the impressive performances of new recruits Moloney and Martin. Particularly Martin, who seems tailor-made for the roaming CHF/pinch-hitting-ruckman role that Voss wanted Clark to play. I'd argue that 2012 was Golby's breakout year. Would surely have gone close to the NAB rising star if not for his mid-season injury. Leuenberger was close to the Lions best player in 2011, but I wonder if he'll ever totally conquer his fitness issues. Other youngsters to watch for in 2013 are Claye Beams, Ryan Lester, Ryan Harwood, Billy Longer, Jordan Lisle and Josh Green. They've all had a handful of games and shown a bit, but need to take another step or two to be first team players.