After predicting Adelaide to strategically disguise their rebuild by finishing among the ‘not good enough’ pack, today we look at the Brisbane Lions.
Last season
With the loss of champion forward and continual inspiration Jonathon Brown mid-season, the Lions looked like a team destined to contest for the number one draft pick early last season.
But the young group banded together and finished the season with some solid matches, a highlight being the big win over Collingwood.
Lewy Taylor won the Rising Star award, capping a year showcasing young talent, and Melbourne reject Stefan Martin finished the year as the form ruckman of the competition.
Next season
Brisbane were the stars of the trade period, securing the signatures of Dayne Beams and Allen Christensen, and signing notorious Carlton bad boy Mitch Robinson. Joel Patfull departing seemed a strange decision considering he was the Brisbane Dale Morris equivalent.
They have a midfield to excite fans, but there will be questions over the tall timber at both ends.
It’s a struggle to see where the goals will come from but I expect improvement on last year, with Brisbane hanging onto an outside chance of finals until at least Round 20 before falling back to the pack.
Who to look out for
Mitch Robinson had one street-fight too many for Mick Malthouse’s liking so was soon on his way out of Carlton. Justin Leppitsch has given him a second chance and he will join the competition’s most exciting midfield, while also enjoying a consistent run. His aggression at the ball and ability to kick a goal makes him a walk-up start who will be looking to send a message back south.
Tall defender Darcy Gardiner enters his second year of AFL with 17 games under his belt. With Patfull gone expect him to receive more responsibility and take the occasional scalp.
Needs a big year
Matthew Leuenberger for a long time was touted as one of the premier big men in the competition. Injury has hampered his consistency with Stefan Martin leaping ahead of him in the second half of last season for the title of number one Lions ruckman.
With the experienced Trent West also on the list, Leuenberger will need to stay injury free or he could find himself being offered as a trade option at season close, missing the opportunity to hand-feed one of the competition’s best midfields.
Best 22
FB: Gardiner, Merrett, Clarke
HB: Hanley, Maguire, Adcock
C: Rich, Redden, Zorko
HF: Christensen, Freeman, Robinson
FF: Taylor, Paine, Green
R: Martin, Rockliff, D. Beams
I: Mayes, Aish, Leuenberger, Paparone
michael steel
Guest
Looks like a solid list next year.
Don Freo
Guest
Out of the 5 previews I have read, the 2015 positions; Brissy Maggies Dons Crows Blues 2 teams on the up, Bombers to hold, the Crows to disappoint again (just crazy with the coaching) and the Blues to plunge further.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I think your best 22 isn’t quite on there, but that’s a matter of conjecture – my view is that Brent Staker is a walk up start if fit, as is Daniel McStay. Michael Close will be picked ahead of Freeman as well, based on performances from last year. I see Robinson filling Moloney’s role as the big bodied mid to crash and bash packs, save the smaller bodies for outside running. I don’t see us making the 8, nor do I expect us to – every other team will be looking to improve as well, and it’s a tough gig to be a team around the 9-13 bracket. I’ll settle for winning most of our home games, if we can at least turn the Gabba into a stockade in lieu of a fortress, that would do wonders for enticing more fans back to the games. A few 30,000+ crowds would be an outstanding achievement – hopefully we get a packed house for round 1 against the Pies, and then it’s all up to the players.
alicesprings
Guest
Exciting year ahead for Brisbane…they've got an elite midfield now! They're a sneaky chance for the finals if things go their way.
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Roar Guru
Liking the Brisbane Lions' chances for season 2015. They endured a tough first season under Leppa but should start making some on-field progress next year. The acquisitions of Dayne Beams, Allen Christensen and Mitch Robinson will help, but losing Joel Patfull won't.