Lions legend Simon Black lauds Brisbane’s midfield depth

Having made some key additions to their squad, the Brisbane Lions must make this year’s AFL grand final to avoid a ‘disappointing’ season.

Lachie Neale is part of an impressive Lions midfield brigade. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Lions great Simon Black says anything short of a grand final berth would amount to a “disappointing” 2023 season for a star-studded Brisbane line-up.

The Lions were impressive in their 46-point practice match win over reigning AFL premiers Geelong at Springfield on Thursday night.

It brought to an end a successful pre-season campaign that also included a 45-point victory over last season’s beaten grand finalists Sydney.

Three-time premiership winner and 2002 Brownlow medallist Black has been particularly impressed with Brisbane’s midfield and its depth.

Not since the halcyon days of the “Fab Four” – Black, Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and Nigel Lappin – plus a supporting cast that included Luke Power and Shaun Hart among others, have the Lions had such a well-rounded midfield.

This year’s addition of Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft to a midfield that already includes superstar Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry and Dayne Zorko has Black excited about Brisbane’s prospects this year.

Lions midfielder Will Ashcroft (right) has had an impressive pre-season. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“The Lions midfield hasn’t been like that for 20 years,” Black said.

“There is so much depth. You look at someone like Jarryd Lyons, who was at one stage at automatic selection and is now going to find it tough to get a run in Brisbane’s top 22.”

Black said the Lions’ off-season additions, including former Bulldogs star Dunkley father-son pick Ashcroft and ex-Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston, had raised expectations about Brisbane’s hopes of breaking its 20-year premiership drought.

“Anything less than a grand final appearance this year would be disappointing for the Lions,” Black said.

“It’s their next step. They’ve been in and around that top four for a few years now, played in a couple of preliminary finals, so they’ve got the experience.

“They’ve got the talent to win the flag in the next couple of years.”

Black’s triple premiership-winning teammate Alastair Lynch expected the Lions – who open their season on March 18 against Port Adelaide – to make it to at least the “last couple of weeks” of the finals this year.

“They were very good (against Geelong) and they showed they could adjust after being beaten at the centre clearances early in the match,” Lynch said.

“Dunkley was the best player on the field, and there is much more depth in the midfield with Zorko to come back (from a hamstring injury) as well.”

Former full-forward Lynch was also appreciative of the “experience and class” Gunston brought to Brisbane’s current forward line.

“Jack will be a great help to the rest of the forwards,” Lynch said.

Meanwhile, Lions pair Eric Hipwood (hip) and Jack Payne (hamstring) have been cleared of serious injury after failing to complete Thursday night’s match.

Originally published as Lions legend Simon Black lauds Brisbane’s midfield depth