Club by club: The under the radar improver to help deliver Lions a coveted flag
The Lions fell agonisingly short of the flag in 2023, and while they will enter 2024 as one of the favourites, they will need to take one more step towards glory. Here’s how they do it.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Lions fell agonisingly short of the ultimate glory in 2023 and will be doing their best to go one further this year.
They’ll be hard pressed to improve their side from last season, but here’s how they take that final step to the summit.
BRISBANE LIONS
Coach: Chris Fagan
Captain: Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews
What happened in 2023?
Brisbane finally broke its preliminary final duck and returned to the grand final for the first time since 2004.
However, the Lions ran into a rampaging Collingwood side which had all the answers on the last Saturday in September.
Brisbane was clearly the second-best side in the grand final and yet only fell by four points. It’s fuel that will undoubtedly be used to fan the flames in 2024.
The Lions uncovered two stars of the future in father-son selections Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher, while they also saw considerable growth from defenders Jack Payne and Keidean Coleman.
A finally fit Joe Daniher reminded the footy world what he is capable of and fellow forward Charlie Cameron earned his second All-Australian blazer.
The Lions captured the imagination of the Queensland faithful, going unbeaten at the Gabba and regularly making their fortress a sellout.
Where do they finish in 2024?
Top four will once again be the pass mark for Chris Fagan’s side and from there all eyes will be on a return to the grand final and revenge for what happened in September.
The Lions have arguably the toughest draw in the competition next season, with three trips to South Australia and two to Western Australia coupled with 10 games against the 2023 top eight.
But they also have the Gabba, which was an impenetrable fortress last season and will again be the hardest trip in football in 2024.
Biggest improver in 2024?
Jaspa Fletcher flew somewhat under the radar thanks to the ridiculous breakout performances of fellow father-son draftee Will Ashcroft, but he looms as a player with the biggest upside entering 2024.
With each passing week he looked more and more like a bona fide AFL player and he rose to the big occasions.
He has a subtle class to his game and an eye for the goals.
With another pre-season under his belt, Fletcher could become a valuable piece in Brisbane’s push for a premiership in 2024.
X-factor
Throw a blanket over any number of Lions who can break a game open on their day.
Charlie Cameron is the obvious answer, but he might now have a partner in crime in Zac Bailey.
The mid-forward’s two ridiculous goals in the first quarter of the grand final underlined his class and presence on a big stage.
Bailey boasts a brilliant blend of ball-winning class coupled with a small forward’s eye for goal like few in the competition.
He’s dangerous bursting away from stoppage outside 50 and just as lethal skirting a pack at the top of the goalsquare.
Coach status
Anyone questioning Chris Fagan at this point isn’t paying attention.
He may not have steered his side to a premiership last season but he came agonisingly close. The Lions have averaged 15 wins over the past five seasons — one of those the shortened 2020 campaign — and are nigh-untouchable at the Gabba.
Fagan has built this team into an excitement machine that wins matches and sells out stadiums.
Ultimately his Brisbane legacy will be judged on whether he can break through for a flag, but for now he is undoubtedly the man for the job.
His current contract runs to the end of 2025 and it wouldn’t surprise if the Lions have another premiership to their name by then.
Who is in last year of contract?
Brandon Starcevich, Carter Michael, Darragh Joyce, Dayne Zorko, Hugh McCluggage, James Madden, Jarrod Berry, Jarryd Lyons, Jaxon Prior, Kalin Lane, Keidean Coleman, Lincoln McCarthy, Noah Answerth, Ryan Lester, Shadeau Brain
Outs for 2024
Marcus Adams (retired), Daniel Rich (retired), Blake Coleman (delisted), Nakia Cockatoo (retired), Rhys Mathieson (delisted), Jack Gunston (traded, Hawthorn), Tom Fullarton (traded, Melbourne), Darryl McDowell-White Jr (delisted)
Ins for 2024
Tom Doedee (free agency, Adelaide), Brandon Ryan (traded, Hawthorn), Logan Morris (national draft pick 31), Luke Lloyd (pick 42), Zane Zakostelsky (pick 51), Reece Torrent (pick 64), Bruce Reville (Cat B Rookie)
Originally published as Club by club: The under the radar improver to help deliver Lions a coveted flag
Expert trade Q&A: Why are the Bombers so quiet?
Essendon has been suspiciously quiet this AFL trade period. Is something brewing? Replay the expert Q&A and FOLLOW LIVE for the latest news.
Browne to step down — but which Pies lifer will replace him?
Collingwood president Jeff Browne will depart the club at the end of the year, with the club already sounding out its replacement. Here’s who is in line to take up the big job at the Pies.