Brisbane
Coach – Chris Fagan
2020 –
Points For – 3rd
Points Against –7th
Top 5 Best and Fairest
- Lachie Neale
- Jarryd Lyons
- Hugh McCluggage
- Oscar McInerney
- Dayne Zorko
2020 Rising Star Noms
Brandon Starcevich (Round 13)
Ins – Joe Daniher, Nakia Cockatoo, Blake Coleman, Harry Sharp, Henry Smith
Outs – Jacob Allison, Allen Christensen, Cedric Cox, Matt Eagles, Mitch Hinge, Corey Lyons, Stef Martin, Sam Skinner, Alex Witherden, Toby Wooller.
My Prediction
I think the Lions arrived a year or two earlier than I thought they would. They have been managed very well and brought in the right players at the right time. They have put together a very formidable list with not many gaps. The depth of the list is still questionable and they would want another good run with injuries.
The backline is built around Gardiner and Harris Andrews. Birchall has taken on the Hodge role. They have a very attacking midfield which at times opens the backline and leaves them vulnerable to having a score kicked on them. Rich and Starcevich give them good drive off half back. Again I am not sure how accountable those players are and they do give their opponents a chance.
The midfield is attacking, Zorko, Neale and Lyons are all great accumulators but I wouldn’t put any of them as great two way runners. Berry, Robinson and Mcluggage will bring a little more of that, Mcluggage continues growing as a footballer and his ball usage is extremely valuable to the Lions and their run.
The forward line is the most exciting in football this year if they all stay up and running. Bringing in Joe to join Hipwood as their two premier talls on top of having Cameron who is an absolute gun. Will be curious to see how Rayner develops this year but there were times towards the end of last season when it looked like he was finding his way. When up and going, they are going to be very difficult to stop unless of course their poor goal kicking does it for them.
The development of Oscar McInerney last year solved a lot of problems for Brisbane and gives them a high quality ruck to feed their mids. The coach is the new preferred model for teams on the way up. We have seen North Melbourne try and emulate what Brisbane have achieved.
Brisbane have all the pieces needed to improve on last year and challenge this year. They had a bit of a free hit last year with lack of pressure and a large chunk of the season being played in their own backyard. It will be interesting to see how they manage expectations this year. The recruitment of Daniher is a big move as they look to make their mark. I expect them to finish top two again.