Brisbane season 2025 preview: Callum Dick breaks down where the Lions sit

Brisbane will be battling up forward without Joe Daniher in 2025, but perhaps the toughest call for Chris Fagan might be what happens down back. Callum Dick previews their season.

Where do the Lions sit?

The Lions finally proved the doubters wrong and won last year’s grand final in convincing fashion after a jolted start to the season. No Joe Daniher and the always difficult task of backing up a strong consecutive season looms for Chris Fagan’s men. Callum Dick analyses the path towards back to back premierships.

SURPRISE PACKET OF 2024

Kai Lohmann had played just eight games in his first two seasons and came close to returning home to Victoria at the end of 2023 but smartly chose to stay in Brisbane. In lieu of an injured Lincoln McCarthy and down-on-form Charlie Cameron, Lohmann became the Lions’ most reliable small forward. His finals series was immense, kicking nine goals in four games including four in the grand final thumping of the Swans.

INS AND OUTS

IN: Levi Ashcroft (No. 5 draft pick, father-son), Sam Day (Pre-Season Draft), Ty Gallop (No. 42 draft pick, Academy), Sam Marshall (No. 25 draft pick, Academy)

OUT: Joe Daniher (retired), Kalin Lane (delisted), Jarryd Lyons (retired), James Madden (delisted), Carter Michael (delisted), Jaxon Prior (delisted), Harry Sharp (trade, Melbourne)

Daniher is the obvious omission but former Sun Sam Day should get first crack at assuming his role. The Lions will also be buoyed by the return of defensive duo Tom Doedee and Keidean Coleman, the latter was on course for a breakout season last year before rupturing his ACL. Ryan Lester would be a stiff out but it’s a very competitive side to break into and spots will be up for grabs so it’s a toss up between him and Doedee to who makes the final 23.

WHO’S PLAYING FOR A CONTRACT?

It’s a big year for Deven Robertson, who spurned a chance to move west at the end of 2023 but failed to break into Brisbane’s starting side last season. Was mooted to move again during the trade period before that fell flat.

Deven Robertson needs a big year to secure his future in Brisbane. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Interest has now waned on the midfielder’s services and he needs a big season to bump up his stock if he still wants a move and starting spot elsewhere in 2026. Will be even tougher to break into Brisbane’s midfield next year with Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall arriving.

LAST YEAR IN CONTRACT

Brandon Starcevich, Bruce Reville, Callum Ah Chee, Conor McKenna, Darcy Craven, Darcy Fort, Darcy Gardiner, Darragh Joyce, Dayne Zorko, Deven Robertson, James Tunstill, Kai Lohmann, Lincoln McCarthy, Logan Morris, Luke Beecken, Reece Torrent, Ryan Lester, Zane Zakostelsky

Can Sam Day make the most of an unexpected second chance? Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

POSITION THAT NEEDS TO BE FILLED AND WHO CAN FILL IT?

The obvious and correct answer is at key forward. Joe Daniher’s sudden retirement leaves a massive hole that simply cannot be filled to the same level. If Sam Day can stay fit and healthy through pre-season he would be the likely candidate for a first crack, given he has played the ruck-forward role over the years at the Suns. Though his ceiling is lower than Daniher’s, Day was hitting some solid form for the Suns last season before his foot injury. Brisbane’s medical room has been able to get injury-plagued players – like Daniher – back to full fitness in the past. Would it really shock if Day becomes a solid contributor again at age 32?

Joe Daniher has left a huge hole in Brisbane’s forward line. Picture: Lachie Millard

BURNING QUESTION

How much will Daniher’s absence hurt? Brisbane answered all the questions posed of it last season but the premiership defence will have to be built without one of its most important pieces. The list’s age, talent and experience is in a prime window to go back-to-back, but Daniher did so much to make Brisbane hum.

Originally published as Brisbane season 2025 preview: Callum Dick breaks down where the Lions sit