Brisbane end-of-season review: How Andrew Hamilton would fix the Lions

THERE are positive vibes in Brisbane, but still urgent issues for the wooden spooner. Becoming the first team to trade the No.1 draft pick since 2001 could be the answer, writes Andrew Hamilton.

FOR a team that finished dead last, there are a lot of positive vibes about Brisbane.

New coach Chris Fagan and bright prospects including Eric Hipwood, Harris Andrews and Alex Witherden point to a bright future — but there is still plenty of work ahead to lift the Lions off the bottom of the ladder.

Here’s how Andrew Hamilton would fix the Lions.

Lions coach Chris Fagan with Tom Rockliff and Dayne Zorko.

SEASON ROUND-UP

There was a lot to like about what Fagan achieved in his first year at the Lions. However, the advances don’t totally mask the disappointing finish to the season when a 51-point loss to the Kangaroos delivered the club its first wooden spoon since 1998.

Brisbane introduced a zone defence in the latter stages of the season to some effect. It fell apart in Round 23 and against the Bulldogs in Round 20, but was the cornerstone of the QClash win over the Suns. Another summer spent training that will make a major difference

THE PROBLEM

Midfield depth is the Lions’ biggest concern.

Brisbane consistently lost the clearance battle in 2017, especially out of the centre, which makes it tough for defenders.

The way the Lions are able to score with considerably fewer inside-50 entries than their opponents most weeks is a sign they can be a powerhouse in the future, if they can become more competitive in the idle of the ground.

If free agent Tom Rockliff leaves it will make the problem even more urgent.

More inside contested ball winners would help and the development of draftees such as Jarrod Berry and Hugh McCluggage will also add numbers. But, equally as important, the veteran Lions mids must add a defensive mindset to their games.

THE SOLUTION

Brisbane has the No.1 draft pick for the first time since it selected Des Headland with the first choice in the 1998 draft. The Lions must use it wisely.

If the Lions don’t see a clear standout player in the draft and, just as importantly, one that is not likely to be a flight risk after two years in the Sunshine State, they will look to trade the pick for an established A-Grader or to increase their presence in the first round.

They had success with this tactic last year when they turned pick two and a couple of late picks into picks three and 17 which netted them McCluggage and Berry. One draftee won’t make a huge difference to Brisbane. More depth, or an established star, would.

THE TARGET

Fagan has flagged his interest in Adelaide speedster Charlie Cameron, who fits the need for a hybrid midfielder.

It is left-field thinking but Brisbane could also do with a ruckman.

Stef Martin has plenty of admirers because of his mobility around the ground but he is undersized and doesn’t provide clear first use of the ball to his midfielders.

And when your biggest stars — Dayne Beams, Dayne Zorko and Tom Rockliff — are purely offensive type mids, it causes a problem.

For the first time some Lions insiders are starting to question whether Martin’s possessions around the ground would be better spent in the hands of elite ball-using midfielders. Is American Pie Mason Cox the answer?

The Lions are rumoured to be interested in Collingwood big man Mason Cox.

THE DREAM

Brisbane desperately needs State and Federal Government funding for a new training and administration base for both the men’s and women’s teams which includes a boutique stadium for the girls.

It was an embarrassment to the club and the competition when the Lions were kicked off the Gabba for last year’s AFLW grand final.

Both levels of government were all over the Lions during the undefeated run through the home-and-away games of the AFLW last season because they were the feel-good story for footy in this state. But they have disappeared since.

Brisbane has the worst facilities in the competition and an unfriendly deal with Stadiums Queensland over the rental costs at the Gabba. The girls play out of a suburban park with no seating. It is a blight on the state.

GARY BUCKENARA SAYS

Hawk Paul Puopolo would be an ideal fit for that small forward role Brisbane really need. He’s had premiership success, so could he be convinced to move on in a similar way to Jordan Lewis and Sam Mitchell? He would add so much experience to the Lions team — not to mention he’s a forward pressure specialist who takes marks and kicks goals. Perfect fit. He would make a huge difference.

THE STAT

The Lions have their offensive game worked out, ranking 91.2 points per game since Round 12 — ranked fourth in the AFL. But the other end needs work. Brisbane conceded an average of 114.8 points per game, ranked last. It didn’t help that they were the easiest team to score against when the opposition got the ball inside its forward 50.

2018 PREDICTION

15th — Brisbane will continue its improvement but the big spike won’t be as quick as some would suspect after an impressive second half of the year because opponents will pay greater attention now. It will be a tougher year for Fagan and footy manager David Noble because the honeymoon is over. They must stay patient and continue the rebuild-development phase correctly.

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