Alright, gather around because we need to talk about the Brisbane Lions and their offseason decisions.
Now before we get into this, let me say this loud and clear: Jack Gunston is a fantastic player. I mean, the guy has been great for Hawthorn, and his recent form shows he can still hold his own in the AFL.
But let’s be real here, when it comes to team needs, the Lions missed the mark with this one. Here’s why:
First of all, the Lions lost Dan ‘Almost’ McStay. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love McStay but let’s face it, the guy had a knack for almost taking a contested mark before dramatically dropping it. It’s like he was auditioning for a “close calls” highlight reel. But here’s the thing – he was their best option for bringing the ball to ground, giving the crumbers a chance to do their thing.
Now let’s talk about Gunston’s game. He’s a smart, crafty forward who loves to mark the ball on a lead. But let’s be honest, when it comes to contested marking he’s not exactly the first name that comes to mind. And here’s the kicker – Brisbane already had a bunch of players who loved marking on a lead!
(Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
We’ve got Charlie Cameron, Linc McCarthy and Cam Rayner all doing their small forward thing trying and trying to find space to lead into, as well as Eric Hipwood and Joe Daniher who tower over everyone, but also fancy the ball on a lead. It’s like a “marking-on-a-lead” parade out there. There’s also Oscar McInerney the Big O, the sole ruckman and the best contested marking option when up forward, but who rucks then? With Darcy Fort not getting enough game time, it leaves Daniher in the ruck – ouch!
You know who I believe is their best contested marking option in a balanced side? Cam Rayner. That’s right, the guy’s only 187cm tall. If he’s your best option that’s a real problem, especially for a premiership contender.
So, what should they have done? Well, I’m no recruiting expert, but in my opinion, they should have gone for another contested marking option. Someone like Tex Walker a couple of years ago, when Adelaide might have traded him for a bag of chips. Look at him now, second in the Coleman medal and an All-Australian contender – that’s the kind of player Brisbane needed!
So who should Brisbane go for this off-season? If I were Dom Ambrogio and the Brisbane recruiting staff, I’d be throwing the kitchen sink at trading for Jack Darling.
West Coast are struggling and Darling doesn’t fit their age demographic anymore, so why not trade him while he’s still got value? Brisbane needs a better contested marking option, and Darling fits the bill.
And if you want stats to back it up, here they are: In 2022, Darling averaged 1.7 contested marks per game, the third-most in the AFL. And he had a contested mark efficiency of 64% – the best in the league!
In comparison, Gunston averaged 1.0 contested marks per game, and a contested mark efficiency of 47%. And in 2023, Darling’s still going strong with 1.2 contested marks per game and a contested mark efficiency of 58%, while Gunston’s numbers have dropped.
Now, I get it, there are salary cap implications and all that jazz, but sometimes you gotta make the tough calls. Brisbane should consider trading for Darling, even if it means giving up some young guns like Deven Robertson and Jackson Prior. Heck, throw in a draft pick or two if that seals the deal! It’s a win-win situation for both teams.
Of course, Jack Darling might not want to leave Perth but hey, Brisbane’s got some pretty sweet weather, and they’re in a premiership window!
So, Dom Ambrogio and the rest of the Brisbane Lions recruiters, it’s time to be fair dinkum and make the tough calls. Make it happen, and let’s take a swing at the premiership! The clock is ticking, Lachie Neale’s not getting any younger, and these golden chances won’t wait forever.
So if we fall short again this year, don’t waste another opportunity – go for it!
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