Lions great Jason Akermanis says Brisbane has the ‘list’ to win the premiership for the first time in 20 years

Lions great Jason Akermanis has called for greater involvement from Josh Dunkley to further increase Brisbane’s already high hopes of winning the premiership.

Josh Dunkley is ready for his first finals campaign as a Brisbane Lions player. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Lions legend Jason Akermanis has urged midfield star Josh Dunkley to “get his hands on the ball more” to give Brisbane the best possible chance of winning the AFL premiership for the first time since 2003.

Akermanis is confident the Lions can end their flag drought, believing Brisbane has “another level” it can reach in this season’s finals series.

“This is the best list they’ve had for 20 years since we last won it,” the three-time premiership winner said.

it in 2023.

“Apart from Will Ashcroft’s (knee) injury, they’re at full power, and … they have another level in them.”

Josh Dunkley handpasses to a teammate during Brisbane’s win over St Kilda last month. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

This year’s arrival of former Western Bulldogs star Dunkley has been a key factor in Brisbane’s improvement.

Akermanis said it was “staggering” that Dunkley didn’t feature in All-Australian selection conversation.

“He’s only really just dropped off a bit late in the season,” the 2001 Brownlow medallist said.

“I’m not sure what the selectors are looking at.”

However, Akermanis suggested Dunkley should get more involved on Saturday night when the Lions host Port Adelaide in a qualifying final at the Gabba.

“He needs to get his hands on the ball more. They need that midfield rotation, run and carry,” he said.

“And if you get him or Lachie (Neale), or the other couple in the midfield kicking goals, that’s something that (Port) don’t expect, but if they can do it, it’s just massive.

“I just know how much more is left in that group. Zac Bailey can get 26 touches and three goal, Cam Rayner can do the same … they’ve got talent across the park when they need it to shine.”

Akermanis said it was vital the Lions nullified the threat of key Port pair Zak Butters and Connor Rozee.

“They’re really the Port guys that create that flow, and handball receives between the back half and the front half,” he said.

“They’ve had great years, and they’re really important to the way Port move the ball.”

Originally published as Lions great Jason Akermanis says Brisbane has the ‘list’ to win the premiership for the first time in 20 years