First one of the new season. Few things for the newcomers. Don’t expect 100% accuracy because my research involves having 5 tabs open whilst I type it up and working on the rough vibe of what I remember from last season. It is little more than a conversation starter.
Brisbane
Coach – Chris Fagan
2016 –
Points For – 14th
Points Against – 18th
Top 5 Best and Fairest
- Dayne Zorko
- Mitch Robinson
- Stefan Martin
- Pearce Hanley
- Tom Rockliff
2016 Rising Star Noms
None
Ins – Hugh McLuggage, Jarrod Berry, Alex Witherden, Cedric Cox, Jacob Allison, Corey Lyons, Jake Barrett, Mitchell Hinge, Oscar McInerny, Jack Frost
Outs – Justin Clark, Trent West, Daniel Merrett, Jaden McGrath, Josh Green, Jackson Paine, Hugh Beasley, Billy Evans, Josh Watts, Josh McGuiness, Pearce Hanley
My Prediction
You can certainly see some sort of light at the end of the tunnel for Brisbane but there is still a long way to go, they certainly didnt have a good year with injury last year but in the end they still only missed the spoon by a slither of percentage to a team most experts thought would be lucky to win a game.
The forward line is building. They have a good one in Schache who impressed with his development last year. He needs support though and they will be hoping someone like Walker will continue his development. They are ok for small forwards and I dont think they will miss Green too much despite his efforts before this year. Zorko is a gun although may spend more time in the middle this year. They will want a lot more from Christensen who seemed to take a gap year.
The midfield is interesting as they certainly have some talent in there. Rockliff finds the ball like few others although there is still a question mark over whether he does enough damage with it. Also his attitude seems a permanent point of contention. Zorko will get more minutes through the middle, then you add in Beams who they desperately need to show why he was rated so highly and find some of that form he displayed at the Pies. McLuggage will get more minutes for the Lions that he would at any other team. Mathieson had a great first year as well. The midfield is still a work in progress but it is certainly looking like it is heading in the right direction.
With the rucks you have Martin who has been very good but it gets real skinny after that. They have Archie Smith who has 3 games to his name and then the guy who won the TV show. I feel like I am missing someone but if I am not, they will be praying Martin holds up.
The backline was terrible last year. The worst performed in the AFL and by a distance. They concended over 500 points more than the second worst defense. To call it a work in progress is an understatement. Picking up Frost from Collingwood is a good move and will support Andrews and Paparone. They are young though and will expect 2017 to still be a learning experience.
I dont know what to expect from the coach. I am not sure anyone does. He will be given the time and has obviously spent a lot of time with Clarkson which seems to be a prerequisite for becoming an AFL coach. I think he may be in the Richardson mold which may not be a bad thing.
Success this year would be avoiding the wooden spoon. Not sure they can do it. Their depth and level of talent just isnt where it needs to be. They will win a few games but are going to cop some absolute smashings as well. 18th for mine.