It seems only yesterday that the mighty Brisbane Lions were on that stage in the final day in September, lifting the premiership cup for the third consecutive season.
Scarily that day was over 11 years ago and their last surviving and arguably most influential premiership player, the courageous Jonathan Brown, has since retired as a new era beckons for the Lions.
Since their 2004 grand final loss, the Lions have only managed one finals appearance (2009) in the last 10 seasons, asserting themselves as well and truly one of the most under-performing sides over the last decade.
Barely 12 months ago former Lion Justin Leppitsch took over the reins from Premiership teammate Michael Voss, with a list that looked a complete basket case. Players wanted to leave and the culture seemed completely dim in Brisbane, as a mass exile beckoned. But a positive end to last season saw the Lions claim some big scalps and enter the trade period with an attacking approach.
Season 2015 brings fresh hope for the Lions, with several key additions to the side and players returning from injury. Many outsiders are expecting big things this year and with a young list they certainly can be a side to watch over the next five years.
The off season
The Lions had a huge trade period, managing to lure some high-profile top-end talent, as well as saying goodbye to some of their most beloved veterans.
Perhaps the biggest offseason signing across the competition was the addition of Dayne Beams to the Lions setup. After 110 games, a premiership and a best and fairest in six seasons at the Magpies, Beams requested a surprise trade to Queensland to be alongside his ill father.
After a fair bit of tension between all parties, Beams made his way to the Lions as part of a mega five-way deal, which ultimately saw the Lions lose picks 5, 25 and young gun Jack Crisp.
The Lions didn’t stop there, going all out and acquiring 23-year-old Allen Christensen from the Cats (for pick 21) and controversial former Blue Mitch Robinson as a delisted free agent.
After losing some high draft picks during the trade period, the Lions were left with four picks outside the first two rounds (44, 61, 65, 73). They managed to secure two academy players in Liam Dawson and Harris Andrews, both of whom are key position prospects (defender and forward respectively). The inside word is that these boys may not be ready for senior footy for at least another season or so. Tasmanian Josh Watts (194cm) is also a big defender and Jaden McGrath (179cm) is a pocket rocket with elite endurance and speed.
It’s hard to see any of these guys cracking into the Lions’ best 22 in season 2015, but they are certainly some to keep an eye out for this time next year.
200 game premiership players Jonathan Brown and Ash McGrath hung up the boots, as did Brent Moloney after just 21 games at the Lions after leaving the Demons at the end of 2013.
Two-time best and fairest winner Joel Patfull requested a trade to GWS after letting the club know Sydney was his desired location for life after football.
In more recent news, the Lions have announced gun midfielder Tom Rockliff as their new skipper, replacing defender Jed Adcock after two years at the helm.
Key Players
Dayne Beams
The high-profile recruit will add a whole new dimension to the Lions midfield, who can certainly put their hands up as arguably the best in the competition with several names among the top echelon of players.
At the tender age of 24, Beams had already shown that he can dominate the competition with a Copeland Trophy (Collingwood best and fairest) taking pride of place alongside a premiership medal and a 2012 All-Australian blazer.
His ability to consistently win the football has seen him develop into one of the best midfielders in the game, with his quick hands in traffic being at the forefront of an already jam-packed highlights reel. He is well known for his ability to gut run and sneak forward to snag a goal (118 goals in 110 appearances).
On the downside, Beams has been criticised for his lack of defensive efforts, being called ‘once paced’. His kicking certainly isn’t elite either, but a new being at a new club may just see him adapt and change his game to make him more of an all-rounder.
With the likes of Tom Rockliff, Jack Redden, Pearce Hanley, Daniel Rich, Lewis Taylor and Dayne Zorko running around the midfield, things just got a whole lot harder for opposition sides with the addition of Beams.
Jack Redden
One of the most underrated players in the competition, Redden has consistently performed for the lowly Lions in his six years at the club. Recruited from country South Australia in 2008, the baby-faced midfielder managed to play all of his 112 games on the trot since debuting in Round 15 of the 2009 season. Unfortunately Redden injured his ankle late last season, ending his streak.
Consistency has been at the forefront of Redden’s game, averaging 24 disposals last season, as well as seven tackles a game showing he has a significant impact without ball in hand. Although he may only look like he’s just hitting puberty, Redden doesn’t flinch when it comes to getting down and dirty in the contest, with 44 per cent of his disposals being contested last year (similar percentages in the past).
After missing the final eight rounds of 2014, Redden has had plenty of time on the sidelines and has been tracking well over the preseason. With the Brisbane midfield being chock a block with talent, perhaps Redden may have the chance to win a bit more outside ball in 2015, potentially lifting his average up around the 28 mark.
Stefan Martin
Perhaps the biggest upside to the Lions’ outfit last season was the reemergence of ruckman Stefan Martin.
In 12 appearances last season, the 28-year-old compiled a remarkable stats card, boasting hefty averages of 28 hitouts, 6 marks and 22.5 disposals a game. His ability to win the ball around the ground is utterly amazing and although he only played half of the season, his name was constantly thrown around as a potential All-Australian.
After dominating around the ground for the latter half of the 2014 season, the agile 198 centimetre ruckman has assured himself a spot in the Lions’ line-up, which means that both he and returning ruckman Matthew Leuenberger will combine for one deadly combination. These men will pinch-hit up forward all game, with Martin being the one to likely play a higher percentage of game time in the forward half. The
loss of legend Jonathan Brown has left a major hole in the Lions’ forward line, so the performance of Martin will be a huge barometer.
Summary
The time is now for the Brisbane Lions to show what they are capable of. As previously mentioned, they have compiled a core group of midfielders that have developed into the top tier in the AFL. Competition for midfield time will be healthy within the club’s inner sanctum, so the likes of Mitch Robinson, Daniel Rich and Dayne Zorko will be doing all they can to impress Leppitsch over the NAB Challenge (beginning February 28).
Players around the age of 19-21 are also entering a crucial stage in their development, as spots on the list become a whole lot harder to retain, let alone spots in the side. Nick Robertson, James Aish, Sam Mayes, Clay Beams and Tom Cutler will be battling it out with each other for spots in the starting line-up come Round 1. Lewy Taylor looks the goods to become a 200-plus game player after taking out the Rising Star Award in 2014, but the notorious ‘second-year syndrome’ has been a fairly constant theme with previous winners.
Although the midfield is stacked with talent, the vitally important bookends at Brisbane still seem vastly underdeveloped. Down back there are the experienced likes of Matt Maguire, Daniel Merret and Brent Staker, all of whom are solid contributors, but at the age of 30 both of these men aren’t going to be improving.
Highly rated youngsters Darcy Gardiner and Justin Clarke need to step up in 2015, as the Lions prepare to transition into a new era. Defending will be tough at times for the Lions this year, but these young men have to continue to gain significant game time in order for their development to continue.
Michael Close will get the opportunity to prove himself as Jonathan Brown’s long-term replacement, as he enters his third year in the AFL system. At 195 centimetres tall, Close has elite running ability and is still considered a long-term-project player for the Lions. Patience is a virtue for these young players and with the likes of Stefan Martin, Luke McGuane and Jackson Paine, the Lions will be desperately hoping they can provide enough support for each other to kick the winning score.
The Lions will undoubtedly improve on last year’s 15th placing, but making the eight may be a stretch at this stage. 2015 will be a key indicator to the Lions’ future outlook as a side, as well as a good measuring stick for Justin Leppitsch’s development as a senior coach.
Will the Lions rise even further than expected or will a weak spine be their ultimate downfall?
Predicted ladder position: 10th
Predicted Round 1 lineup (Best 22)
B: Darcy Gardiner, Matt McGuire, Ryan Harwood
HB: Jed Adcock, Daniel Merret, Daniel Rich
C: James Aish, Dayne Beams, Allen Christensen
HF: Lewy Taylor, Brent Staker, Dayne Zorko
F: Josh Green, Michael Close, Stefan Martin
R: Matthew Leuenberger, Tom Rockliff, Jack Redden
I/C: Mitch Robinson, Claye Beams, Sam Mayes
Sub: Tom Cutler
New: Dayne Beams (Collingwood), Allen Christensen (Geelong), Mitch Robinson (Carlton)
Unavailable: Trent West (knee), Pearce Hanley (Hip)
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