Brisbane Lions 2017 SuperCoach preview

BRISBANE’S prospects rest on Tom Rockliff, Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko, but are they must have players in your squad? Here are the best and worst options at the Lions in 2017.

IT’S feast or famine with the Brisbane Lions.

While they have their share of premium options, there is little else to get excited about when it comes to building your SuperCoach team.

Brisbane’s prospects rest on Tom Rockliff, Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko, but are they must have players in your squad?

Here are the best and worst options at the Lions in 2017.

MARK OR BREAK: TOP MID-PRICE MIDFIELDERS, RUCKS

BIG GAMBLE: TOP SUPERCOACH MID-PRICED DEFENDERS AND FORWARDS

TOP ROOKIES: WHO ARE THE SUPERCOACH CASH COWS?

TOP PRICE: WILL YOU SPLASH OUT ON DANGER?

HOMEWORK: WHO WILL OUR EXPERTS PICK FIRST IN 2017?

PREMIUMS

Tom Rockliff $603,900 mid

How will respond in 2017 after a turbulent off-season? No club wanted him during the trade period and his SuperCoach price could also be a turn off. But he’s an elite scorer, averaging 111 last season which included mammoth scores of 204, 159, 154 and 130 (twice). Rockliff did start 2016 slowly so the safe option would be to wait until he’s more affordable.

Tom Rockliff can rack up big scores. Picture: Darren England

Dayne Zorko $593,000 mid

A popular selection in the forward line last season, but just because he’s lost his dual-position status doesn’t make him any less appealing. Zorko was so reliable he scored 14 tons in 20 games, and only two scores below 90. The 2016 best-and-fairest could be the point of difference in your midfield.

Stefan Martin $488,000 ruck

Last season was solid rather than spectacular. His form dropped dramatically and his price plummeted to as low $347,000 at Round 12. Can’t help but think he’s a little overpriced.

Dayne Beams $432,500 mid

If his body can stay sound, Beams will be the bargain of the season and his selection is a no-brainer. He’s $179,500 cheaper than last season and is a proven premium performer. Take out last season, Beams has averaged more than 100 in the five preceding years.

MID-PRICE RISKS

Daniel Rich $466,100 mid

One of the most popular picks last season because of his dual defence-midfield eligibility and the promise of more time in the middle. But Rich struggled when tagged and now that he’s a midfielder only it’s hard to recommend him.

Taggers got the better of Daniel Rich. Picture: Jono Searle

Mitch Robinson $461,700 mid

Robinson can throw in a big score even now and then, but that’s the best you’re going to get from him. His average the past six seasons has hovered around the low 80s to low 90s.

Ryan Bastinac $453,600 mid

The former Kangaroo had his best season since 2013 in his first season at the Lions. Three scores above 100 in the last five rounds has made his starting price a bit prohibitive.

Tom Cutler $412,800 def

In his third season, Cutler established himself in Brisbane’s best 22 last season and increased his SuperCoach average by 31.6 points per game. He can also push up to a wing and in the midfield. Keep track of his progress.

ROOKIES

Hugh McCluggage $211,800 mid/fwd

Barely classifies as a rookie given that huge price tag but at least we save $9k after he slipped through to pick 3 on draft night. Despite the high cost he has some big things going for him — for starters, he could play nearly every game for the Lions as a half-forward with stints in the midfield. He averaged 28 disposals, two goals and 143 SuperCoach points over 12 games at TAC Cup level.

Jarrod Berry $139,800 def/mid

The Lions will continue to play the youngsters and Berry could be ready for Round 1. He only averaged 17 disposals in the TAC Cup, so his more likely a defensive option.

Jacob Allison $117,300 mid/fwd

An All-Australian in 2015 but was a slider in the national draft. He’s slightly built so may not get a look in until later in the season.

NO-GO ZONE

Allen Christensen $377,900 fwd

Christensen owes the Lions after producing little this year, and that was before a broken right collarbone ended his season in Round 11.

Lewis Taylor $320,100 fwd

Doesn’t get enough of the ball and doesn’t kick enough goals to warrant being in your forward line. Just 18 last season from 19 games.

Lewis Taylor averaged less than one goal a game in 2016. Picture: Mark Calleja

Jarrad Jansen $314,800 mid/fwd

Jansen scored 98 in his AFL debut but there was a big drop off in his next six games. Served his purpose as a cheapie last year but that debut performance has resulted in a price spike for 2017.

TEAM PREVIEW

Brisbane is a long way from winning the premiership and would have finished bottom of the ladder in 2016 if it weren’t for the Essendon suspensions. It’s likely to enter 2017 as the wooden spoon favourite. But the positives are the rebuild is already underway — the Lions started the year with the youngest and least experienced list — and the player exodus looks to be over. Fans will need to be patient but there’s a lot to look forward to. The club is building up its key position stocks but in five to six years’ time players such as Josh Schache, Eric Hipwood, Michael Close, Jono Freeman, Daniel McStay and Sam Skinner could form the best spine in the competition.