While at first glance it appeared to be another terrible season for the Lions, they actually made progress in 2017. Here’s my season review.
AFL Finals
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» Finals fixtures for semi-finals and preliminary finals
» Finals forecast: Sydney vs Essendon
» Finals forecast: Port Adelaide vs West Coast
» Sydney vs Essendon preview and prediction
» Port Adelaide vs West Coast preview and prediction
What happened in 2017
The Lions had a good season, winning five games, two more than last year, and blooding plenty of exciting youngsters.
They started well, winning their first game of the season, winning over crosstown rivals Gold Coast. They then, however, went on to lose their next nine games, showing some flashes of brilliance and excitement at times, but also showing some ugly football as well.
They had a turning point after their bye though, winning against Fremantle, Essendon, Carlton, and Gold Coast for the second time this season. They had a disappointing loss against North Melbourne in the final round in a game they were expected to win, but still a promising season for this young, developing team overall.
Mark out of 10: 8/10
The coach
Chris Fagan did well to right the ship in 2017, changing their game plan to a more exciting brand, and changing the culture around the club. He will be expected to build on this year’s performance and will hopefully be able to have them contesting for September football by 2021. Fantastic first year performance for the coach.
Mark out of 10: 9/10
The best 22 – end of 2017
B: Darcy Gardiner, Harris Andrews, Sam Mayes
HB: Alex Witherden, Daniel McStay, Nick Robertson
C: Daniel Rich, Dayne Zorko, Ryan Lester
HF: Mitch Robinson, Josh Schache, Hugh McCluggage
F: Lewis Taylor, Eric Hipwood, Jake Barrett
Foll: Stefan Martin, Dayne Beams, Tom Rockliff
I/C: Jarrod Berry, Allen Christensen, Ryan Bastinac, Rhys Mathieson
Young players such as Cedric Cox and Tom Cutler are unlucky to not be in the best 22. Christensen and Robinson would both have been senior regulars had they not been injured, hence why they have been included.
List changes
Possible delistings
Ryan Harwood – Has been disappointing over the last few years, and having played only nine games in 2017, which leaves a question mark over where he fits into Chris Fagan’s future plans.
Rohan Bewick – Seeing as he has never played over 20 games in a season and struggled to get games this year, it seems him time at Brisbane will be up.
Cian Hanley – Hanley, brother of Pearce from the Suns, seems unlikely to be upgraded to the senior list after three seasons on the rookie list.
Jarrad Jansen – Jansen hasn’t showed much in his time up in Brisbane, and it seems likely his time will be over.
Josh Clayton – Clayton has only played two games in three years, not showing much, and it now seems likely his time at the Lions will be over.
Claye Beams – Beams, brother of the Lions skipper Dayne, has showed potential throughout his career, but has never acted on it. It seems unlikely he will get a new contract.
Michael Close – Has showed glimpses, but never acted on it, however is a possibility to be re-signed due to the fact he played ten games this year, the most since his debut year.
Matt Hammelmann – He is currently on the rookie list, but seems unlikely to be offered a spot on the senior list.
Free agents
Claye Beams and Ryan Harwood are unrestricted free agents and would be able to leave the club without being delisted or traded, however, as I stated above, I believe they should be delisted.
Tom Rockliff hasn’t re-signed as of yet, and there is interest from Hawthorn and Port Adelaide. If he chooses not to re-sign, I would allow him to leave and take the compensation pick.
Picks: 1, Port Adelaide’s first round pick (Currently 14), 18, 41, 73
Potential trade targets
There has been public talk from Chris Fagan that the Lions are interested in Charlie Cameron from Adelaide, and with talk that he is homesick, may potentially request a trade to the Lions. Brisbane would easily have to offer a first-round pick and a second-round pick, and maybe a cherry on top to sweeten the deal.
If Adelaide were interested in Tom Rockliff, they could offer Rockliff and a third-round pick for Cameron and a fourth-round pick, however their most ideal trade for Cameron would be this.
Adelaide would give Charlie Cameron and fifth-round pick (Currently 90) and Brisbane would give Port Adelaide’s first round pick (Currently 14) and their 2018 second-round pick.
They may possibly further look at their small forward and midfield stocks by looking at Billy Hartung or Paul Puopolo from Hawthorn to add depth and experience, however there is talk that Puopolo is going to the Giants.
They could potentially look at trying to add Luke Partington from West Coast to their young brigade, however it depends on what the Eagles would ask for him. Besides that, stick to the draft and build from there.
Retirements
It seems unlikely there will be any retirements for the Lions this off season as they look to improve their young list next year.
Early prediction
My early prediction for next year is for the Lions to finish on seven wins and finish 14-17 on the ladder.
That’s my view on Brisbane’s 2017 season and what they should do in this year’s trade period. What are your thoughts?
David C
Guest
I guess they are looking to rookie another academy player (Jack Payne?) and had to make room on the rookie list, which meant one of Grewar, Hammelmann or Reuben William had to go. I think you can only have 3 academy players rookie listed at the one time.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Bit of a shame for Grewar, I met him a couple of times when he was playing for a Redland bombers cricket team during summer, nice guy. Seemed a bit small for AFL though and I guess barring Zorko-like skills he wasn't going to make it. No quibbles with any of the others axed
David C
Guest
THE BRISBANE Lions have delisted five players, including experienced defender Ryan Harwood and key forward Jono Freeman. Midfielder Jarrad Jansen, utility Josh Clayton and rookie Blake Grewar have also been told by the Lions their contracts would not be renewed Good start.
David C
Guest
Agree totally.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Agreed on Paparone going, he has been garbage and soft for years. Made to look better than he is by the mediocrity around him - 3 years ago he wasn't one of our worst players, as the quality of the list has gradually improved he now is
DingoGray
Roar Guru
There is no way in hell Charlie Cameron is worth 2 picks. A late 1st round or an early 2nd round maybe but no way in hell both.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
There is no way in any life time Charlie Cameron is worth and 1st and 2nd round pick. Early 2nd round or late 1st round only. Brisbane won't pay overs! fags happy to go the long road if required
Macca
Guest
It is entirely possible that having signed a two year deal (presumably on good money) he has either bought a house or upgraded from sharing a flat with 2 teammates, some mate of the team mates same around saw his stuff had been packed up and thought he had a scoop.
asd
Guest
Fagan is the right bloke he will lead them back to finals already worked wonders
Peter M
Guest
I live in hope that Paparone is let go in this period. He has no football smarts and just can't play at this level.
David C
Guest
Schache's manager reporting he will not request a trade. For what that's worth.
David C
Guest
Brisbane were getting smashed in the clearances this year, someone like Miles could interest them. He's also non VIC. And then Jake Batchelor played nearly every game for Richmond last year but lost his place to Astbury who Brisbane were interested in last year. They need a mature body down back, Frost was a big miss. At least they have something to bargain with after he re-signed. But looks like he's out of there with Martin as well.
TomC
Roar Guru
Ultimately we're always going to be more vulnerable than other clubs to this stuff, no matter who's in charge.
Macca
Guest
At least you got him resigned so you have some negotiating power. If you went into the draft with pick 1, 14, 15, 16 & 18 it would be a very strong position especially just a year after having 3, 17 23 & 24.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I can't even get upset anymore. Just fed up and disillusioned. new coach, new list manager, new list - same old crap
Macca
Guest
Fox is reporting that Schache left absolutely nothing in the house when he left a week or so ago and the teammates he lived with aren't expecting him to return. They link him to Richmond FWIW who at least have 2 first round picks (theirs and Geelongs) to get something done.
Asd
Guest
They need some hidden gems.but there hard to find .It's harder if you can't recognise them
Paul D
Roar Guru
Price is probably wrong on Cameron, but I always get that sort of thing wrong too. He'll wind up at Brisbane, that's the important thing. Would be happy to see all the players you listed...delisted. Bewick will have to be held one more year. I too am baffled how he got a two year deal. No-one else wanted him. I reckon Leppa swung that as a favour before he got axed himself At least we look to be improving. I'll take that after the last few years
Tony Stamkoski
Guest
Charlie Cameron and crows pick 18 for Shache.. Everyone's a winner... Two first round picks for Cameron.... I dont think so..!!
David C
Guest
Yeh, hoping Paps gets traded back to WA. Both those clubs will have significant list turnovers and he is the right age for them. Not sure why Brisbane gave Bewick a 2 year contract last year.