The signs are positive Brisbane Lions are on the right track

TWELVE months ago, Chris Fagan took the hardest job in footy when he headed north to save the Lions. A year on, there can be no doubt Brisbane are on the right track. Here’s eight reasons 2018 will be their year.

Eight reasons why Brisbane are on the right track.

LET’S call it the Chris Fagan effect.

Alastair Clarkson’s right-hand man took the hardest job in footy when he headed north to save Brisbane a year ago.

But 12 months into Fagan’s rescue mission, is there any doubt now the Lions are finally on the right track? None at all.

LISTEN UP: HOW FAGAN EMPOWERED LIONS

YOUNG GUN: MCCLUGGAGE HAIL HODGE INFLUENCE

We all saw the glimpses last year.

There’s plenty of quality young kids, much-needed added leadership and a build-from-the-ground-up attitude that has laid fresh foundations for a bright future.

After just 12 wins in three years, this club is clearly, and finally, back on the way up.

Allen Christensen will be desperate to make up for lost time. Picture: Getty Images

1. ALLEN CHRISTENSEN

THE Lions’ forgotten man is on track to play Round 1 after a nightmare start up north. Injuries have restricted him to 33 games in three years, including none last season. But the silky midfield half-forward is desperate to fulfil his potential after shining brightly in his first four years at Geelong, helping win the 2011 flag. The 26-year-old has evasiveness and slipperiness in traffic and, importantly, a lovely kick inside 50m.

2. CHARLIE CAMERON

ADELAIDE did not want to let him go for good reason. The speed machine is untouchable at his best. Remember his five-goal, 19-possession performance in the preliminary final demolition of Geelong? At Brisbane, he’ll sizzle up through the midfield and forward lines and turn up the tackle pressure. He’s a drawcard who will be worth turning up to watch.

Luke Hodge will give the young Lions leadership and direction. Picture: AAP

3. LUKE HODGE

LET’S face it, the leadership and direction Hodge will provide the young Lions will be invaluable. Who cares how many games he plays? The real benefit will be on the training track. He is already providing golden bits of advice to the young group. He’ll help them walk taller, play more aggressive, be more relentless around the footy, more disciplined in defence and more hopeful of a brighter future. If the Lions kick on to success in the next few years, the Hodge move will have played a vital part in their revival.

4. UNITY

THE days of talented young kids leaving the club in droves are over. Well, sort of. Josh Schache’s situation was a little weird in that he went from completely and committed in his first season to unsure and unsettled this year. So, unsurprisingly in the end, he bailed to the kennel after Richmond baulked. Anyway, coach Chris Fagan has driven a total cultural overhaul and what is crucial is that the young players especially are happy, developing and feeling valued. New list boss Dom Abrogio is a smart operator and is taking care of the contractual business. Things have changed for the better.

5. CONTESTED BALL

THE Lions have been putrid in this area for a long time. They have been among the worst couple in the competition for the past four years. Fagan wants to change all of that and has elevated the issue to the top of his whiteboard. But skipper Dayne Beams can’t do it on his own, especially after Tom Rockliff left for Port Adelaide. Mitch Robinson will be at the coalface along with youngsters Ben Keays and Brandon Starcevich and, of course, Hodge at times.

6. ERIC HIPWOOD

ALREADY the Buddy comparisons are starting to be made. Big call, yes, but Hipwood has athleticism to burn and the 200cm key forward is a nightmare match-up with his marking prowess and running power. He’s a special talent and is already the spearhead of the forward line entering his third season. Enjoy watching Lance Franklin V.02. The big question is how well the Lions can get the ball into him.

Eric Hipwood is the leader of the Lions attack. Picture: AAP

7. THE SIGNS

WHAT we have learned over the past two years is that pretenders can become contenders pretty quickly. The Bulldogs lifted off the canvas in 2016 and Richmond performed a stunning turnaround last year. Yes the Lions are young at either end of the ground, but there is plenty of quality through the midfield. If the young cubs kick on, a 6-10 win season is a realistic aim for Brisbane in 2018, which would be a big tick, considering they keep reloading on top talent in the draft, and are building the right way. They won five last year and knocked off Essendon at Etihad Stadium and a couple more wins on the road next season would boost the confidence.

8. ALEX WITHERDEN

THIS kid can play, having exploded on to the scene last season. He wins truckloads of the ball and is the rudder across
halfback. Already, he’s been dubbed a young Brendon Goddard. He averaged 24 possessions a game in 2017 and is already the favourite for next season’s Rising Star Award. Like Hodge, he’ll direct plenty of traffic.

Originally published as The signs are positive Brisbane Lions are on the right track