How the Lions used the trade period to bolt into premiership contention

Five years ago they were a basket case. Last year they won just five games. Now, the Brisbane Lions have emerged as a genuine premiership threat. Jay Clark explains how they’ve set the benchmark for a rebuild.

The many faces of Brisbane's stunning resurgence.

Brisbane may as well have had a revolving door at the front of the Gabba not so long ago.

When the “go-home five” requested trades from the club in 2013 — including young stars-in-the-making Elliot Yeo, Sam Docherty and Jared Polec — the Lions were on their knees as a footy club.

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But, under a new administration, that chequered trade history has suddenly flipped on its head.

Now it’s the Lions who have seemingly shown rivals how to fast-track a rebuild.

Surging into the top-four after only five wins last season, the Lions appear to have done as well as any club — including powerhouses Geelong and Hawthorn and heavy recruiters Essendon — over the past two exchange periods.

And that’s despite the ageing Gabba facilities — including a dark underground gym — which are widely considered among the worst in the competition, and the shock departure of former captain Dayne Beams.

The Lions reluctantly let Beams go on compassionate grounds, mindful the former premiership midfielder was struggling with the loss of his father.

Brisbane lost ex-captain Dayne Beams. Picture: AAP

Beams replacement, Lachie Neale has become a Brownlow Medal hope. Picture: Peter Wallis

But Brisbane secured a Brownlow Medal and All-Australian contender in Lachie Neale as a replacement, and nabbed two first-round picks in return for Beams from the Magpies.

The Lions have done well at the draft, nailing the Hugh McCluggage and Alex Witherden picks, as well as academy bookend bargains Eric Hipwood and Harris Andrews.

But we know now the draft isn’t the answer on its own. The player transfer market is new sweet spot for catapulting up the ladder.

Former Crow Charlie Cameron, who has taken Eddie Betts’ crown the most damaging small forward in the league, was snared with pick No. 12, a selection which was initially considered a price-too-high in some parts.

And four-time premiership legend Luke Hodge helped turn the direction of the club around when he made the shock call to depart Hawthorn with pick No. 44, in return for picks No. 43 and No. 75.

Charlie Cameron has become the best small forward in the game. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

Hawthorn quadruple premiership legend Luke Hodge is the calming presence in defence. Picture: AAP

If the Lions do progress in September this year, Hodge’s hard-nosed rudder on the big stage will be as valuable and dependable as any of Brisbane’s on-field assets.

Even ex-Cat Lincoln McCarthy has played every game of the season, including the best performance of his injury-riddled career a fortnight ago as his team buried Greater Western Sydney.

They got McCarthy from Geelong for a cheap swap of third and fourth-round selections.

And it’s still mind-boggling that Brisbane nabbed Jarryd Lyons for nothing as a delisted free agent from Gold Coast. He, too, has played every game this season, and dominated with 36 possessions against the Power on Sunday.

Eric Hipwood is developing into a dominant key forward. Picture: Getty Images

Hugh McCluggage has taken big steps in 2019. Picture: AAP

New list chief Dom Ambrogio (from Gold Coast) has overseen the moves alongside football boss David Noble, determined to bring good characters into the club which would help build culture, camaraderie and consistent performance.

And the icing on cake is that the Lions are particularly well-armed heading into this draft, with three choices inside the top-33, including Collingwood’s top pick (for Beams) and Gold Coast’s second (currently No. 19). That’s a war chest in pick terms.

In the background, head of personal excellence and wellbeing Andrew Crowell has revamped player welfare and Damien Austin (fitness) and Peter Blanch (medical) have led one of the best injury rates in the competition.

Brisbane chief executive Greg Swann paid tribute to coach Chris Fagan and Hodge, in particular, for helping transform the environment at a club which was on the brink. The highest Brisbane has finished over the past nine years is 12th.

Lincoln McCarthy has become the Lions’ igniter up forward. Picture: AAP

Jarryd Lyons has become one of the steals of the trade period. Picture: AAP

But that finals drought looks set to end this year after the Lions dismantled Port Adelaide on Sunday, a week after stunning Greater Western Sydney to notch the biggest win under Fagan. The belief has built considerably.

“The coach has been massive, no doubt about that, because the players love him, that’s for sure,” Swann said.

“But also, I think when Luke Hodge made the decision to come to us and move his family up here — that really turned the sentiment around.

“’Hodgey’ came with Charlie Cameron that year, and they were two really good pick-ups.

“And when you add to that the guys who came at the end of last year, including Lachie and Lincoln, it’s been a real plus.”