How will Brisbane Lions tackle this year’s trade period? David King, Scott Gullan look at possibilities
BRISBANE’S young stars are shining brightly but how can the Lions continue to bring in the best young talent? David King and Scott Gullan look ahead to this year’s trade period.
Lions
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lions. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Lions have little to show for their significant improvement to date but they’re a far more competitive outfit than we’ve witnessed for the past four to five years.
This is highlighted by the reduction in average losing margin from 47 points last season to 27 points to Round 14 this year, including three losses under 10 points.
The second youngest list is showing plenty of promise.
RISING STAR: HODGEY’S HELP GUIDES RAYNER
ROUND 16: LIONS NOT RESTING ON LAURELS, EYE BLUES
Harris Andrews was in All-Australian form before his KO and Hugh McCluggage, Cam Rayner and Alex Witherden are set to assume control of the Lions sooner than previously thought.
Charlie Cameron has been the best trade of the last off-season and Luke Hodge’s influence both in-game and out of hours has been profound.
Dayne Zorko, Dayne Beams and Lewis Taylor are doing what senior players should do consistently.
Josh Walker will need a big back half of the season to maintain AFL status and the Lions would hope Daniel Rich can provide more game separating moments as per the last two weeks. Has anyone sighted Ryan Bastinac?
Of course Brisbane wants to beat Carlton at the Gabba in Round 16, but the Adelaide Crows may offer deals to secure pick one in the national draft that could avail more, much needed high-end draft picks. Just saying….
Chris Fagan will stay the course, a strategy he knows like the back of his hand.
PREMIERSHIP CLOCK: 3pm. Stay on rebuild course but pick one would be handy
IN PLAY
1. STEFAN MARTIN
Age: 31
Games in 2018: 13
The one player at the Lions who has a lot of currency. Has been sounded out by a number of clubs in recent years and while he’s still obviously very valuable to the Lions’ fortunes, they could get overs in a deal from a club desperate for a quick fix.
2. LEWIS TAYLOR
Age: 23
Games in 2018: 13
Has a big reputation given his Rising Star victory which might attract some but the reality is he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype. Improved last year but isn’t a high possession midfielder so is certainly replaceable. Victorian lad, too.
3. DANIEL McSTAY
Age: 23
Games in 2018: 10
Capable tall defender who would be attractive to Victorian clubs given he’s a Ringwood boy. Is signed until the end of 2019 but again the question would be what is another club prepared to give up.
BUY BUY BUY
1. MITCH WALLIS
Age: 25
Club: Western Bulldogs
Games in 2018: 9
The Lions need some hard-bodied midfielders to complement the stock pile of exciting young talent they’re assembling. Wallis is an outstanding citizen with great leadership.
2. JOSH THOMAS
Age: 26
Club: Collingwood
Games in 2018: 13
Former Queenslander who is playing some exciting football through the midfield and half-forward. Is still on the Pies rookie list so you’d think he’s ripe for an enticing offer to return home.
3. JAYDEN HUNT
Age: 23
Club: Melbourne
Games in 2018: 5
Melbourne defender who seems to be on the outer with question marks over his disposal. The Lions need leg speed in its defence and as we know Hunt has that in spades.
WINS AND ROUNDABOUTS
The Luke Hodge experiment has been a major win with the former Hawthorn champion the Lions’ best in Round 14 against GWS. His leadership and on-field coaching has been impressive. Charlie Cameron played mainly as a permanent forward before his season was ended by injury and that brief snapshot showed the former Crow will light up the Gabba in years to come while No.1 draft pick Cameron Rayner has lived up to all the hype. The loss of Tom Rockliff has been covered by the development of young gun Hugh McCluggage.
FANTASY QUICK FIX
The loss of Harris Andrews is a massive blow to the Lions defence. He’s in the top handful of tall defenders in the competition so finding something similar would be difficult. Geelong seems to have a surplus of defenders so a mid-season trade for Lachie Henderson would work perfectly.
Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >
‘Absolute joke’: Fans fume at AFL Draft rule
The No. 1 pick has been named at the AFL Draft but fans are furious at the system that allowed the reigning premiers to get an absolute steal.
‘Staggering and traumatic’ shock almost ended footy legend’s career
Just when Alastair Lynch felt as if he was getting his life, and his footy career, back from the brink, it took another turn. Lynch tells SACKED how a medication almost ended his career.