Brisbane Lions list analysis: Can Chris Fagan’s side avenge its grand final defeat in 2024?
Brisbane has won the most games in the AFL over the past five seasons. But after missing the flag by four points, has Chris Fagan’s side reached its peak? We look at all their 44 players.
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Four points between triumph and heartache.
Brisbane’s grand final defeat at the hands of Collingwood will sit uncomfortably in the stomach of Chris Fagan’s playing group all off-season.
But it’s a playing group built to rise again.
If Dayne Zorko plays on into his age 35 season, he will be one of just four best-22 players aged 30 or older come Round 1.
The bulk of Brisbane’s talent will be 26 or younger – Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley, Cam Rayner, Zac Bailey, Jarrod Berry, Keidean Coleman, Eric Hipwood to name a few.
The likes of Lachie Neale, Joe Daniher and Charlie Cameron still have multiple seasons of their best footy ahead of them.
Then there is the youngest brigade, led by Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher, who took to AFL footy like ducks to water.
This is a list built to win now. It came agonisingly close last month, but should be right back near the pointy end of contention in 2024.
1. KAI LOHMANN (Forward) | Age: 20
Games: 8 (6)
Home State: Victoria
Contract: End of 2025
CD Rating: Poor
There were fears Lohmann would look elsewhere for opportunities after just eight games in two seasons at the Lions. But the Ballarat boy declared he was ready to sit and learn behind the Lions’ stellar small forward brigade and fight for his place in the side.
2. DEVEN ROBERTSON (Midfielder) | Age: 22
Games: 41 (16)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Off-contract
CD Rating: Below Average
West Coast has declared its desire to lure the young midfielder back home and likely has a better deal on the table than what the Lions can offer. Will he stay on a short-term deal and fight to retain his place in a premiership challenger, or choose a guaranteed start in a team at the foot of the table?
3. JOE DANIHER (Key Forward) | Age: 29
Games: 177 (26)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Elite
A finally fully fit Joe Daniher showed what the footy world has missed for so many years. His All-Australian nomination was testament to the incredible campaign the spearhead put together as a mobile key forward capable of taking a game by the scruff of the neck. Has set a new bar for himself moving forward.
4. CALLUM AH CHEE (Midfielder) | Age: 25
Games: 117 (12)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Below Average
Broke back into the side in round 10 and despite concussion and injury setbacks solidified himself as a best-22 utility in Chris Fagan’s grand final side. Form tailed off in the back of the season but Ah Chee proved himself a valuable piece and earned a fresh two-year deal late in the year.
5. JOSH DUNKLEY (Midfielder) | Age: 26
Games: 140 (24)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2028
CD Rating: Above Average
Would be tough to find a better off-season buy than Dunkley. He immediately upgraded an already potent Brisbane midfield and was one of the Lions’ best players in September, headlined by a stellar stopping role on Patrick Cripps in the prelim. A home run hit who is still yet to hit his prime.
6. HUGH MCCLUGGAGE (Midfielder) | Age: 25
Games: 155 (25)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Average
Started the season slowly but worked his way into the kind of form that had made him a regular All-Australian consideration. Was one of Brisbane’s best in the grand final defeat. Will be one of the most important pieces of business the Lions get done next season, with his contract expiring at the end of the year.
7. JARROD BERRY (Midfielder) | Age: 25
Games: 133 (25)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Average
Had a grand final to forget which will haunt him all off-season, but that should not sour what was otherwise a career-best campaign for Berry. Has become a key cog in the Brisbane midfield and is another who the Lions will want to lock up beyond his current deal.
8. WILL ASHCROFT (Midfielder) | Age: 19
Games: 18 (18)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2026
CD Rating: Average
His ACL injury in Round 19 cruelled one of the best first-year campaigns we have seen in a long time. Ashcroft polled three Brownlow votes in just his second AFL game. A genuine star of the future who can hopefully hit similar form once he returns from injury midway through 2024.
9. LACHIE NEALE (Midfielder) | Age: 30
Games: 246 (26)
Home State: South Australia
Status: End of 2026
CD Rating: Above Average
Added a second Brownlow Medal to his long list of accolades after leading the league in clearances in 2023. Deserves all the superlatives after adding captaincy to his long list of achievements. Had a down by his standards September and that will light a fire under him to come back better next season.
11. LINCOLN MCCARTHY (Forward) | Age: 29
Games: 143 (24)
Home State: South Australia
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Average
Had a slow start to the season but ended in some serious form. Shrugged off a nagging calf complaint to kick at least a goal in 10 straight games including two apiece in the prelim and grand final.
12. NAKIA COCKATOO (Forward) | Age: 26
Games: 49 (0)
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Off-contract
CD Rating: NA
Delisted and added as a rookie last off-season, Cockatoo didn’t play an AFL game in 2023. He has retired from AFL football.
13. BLAKE COLEMAN (Forward) | Age: 21
Games: 0 (0)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Off-contract
CD Rating: NA
Impressed in the VFL this year but remains down the pecking order in the Lions’ small forward stocks.
14. JAMES MADDEN (Defender) | Age: 23
Games: 13 (2)
Home State: Ireland
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Poor
The dashing defender had a season-ending shoulder injury in July but landed a new one-year deal soon after. Has managed two games in each of the past two seasons.
15. DAYNE ZORKO (Midfielder) | Age: 34
Games: 250
Home State: Queensland
Status: Off-contract
CD Rating: Above Average
Has declared his desire to play on next season but so far no contract has been forthcoming from the Lions. Overcame a calf strain mid-season to remind the footy world how damaging he can be with ball in-hand. Will still be a best-22 player in his age 35 season – assuming he gets there.
16. CAM RAYNER (Forward) | Age: 23
Games: 113 (26)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Above Average
Continues to show glimpses of becoming the regular matchwinner everyone knows he can be, but consistency remains an issue for the former No. 1 pick. Once he feels at home inside 50 will become one of the most dangerous targets in the AFL.
17. JARRYD LYONS (Midfielder) | Age: 31
Games: 191 (10)
Home State: South Australia
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Poor
Next year will be a pivotal one for the veteran midfielder. Will Ashcroft’s ACL injury opened the door for Lyons to take a regular hold of the sub role in the back half of the season. If Deven Robertson stays it’s tough to see Lyons playing many games next season, barring injuries.
18. KEIDEAN COLEMAN (Defender) | Age: 23
Games: 64 (23)
Home State: Queensland
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Average
Elevated his status in the game with a scintillating finals campaign. Grew into career-best form in the back end of the season and his lethal left boot is now one of the most damaging weapons in the competition.
19. JACK GUNSTON (Key Forward) | Age: 31
Games: 242 (17)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Below Average
Was deemed fit too late to play a role in September and now the triple premiership Hawk’s place in Chris Fagan’s side is under question. Enjoyed a career-best outing against West Coast in Round 17 but his form tailed off after that. Needs a strong pre-season to stake a starting claim.
20. JAXON PRIOR (Defender) | Age: 22
Games: 35 (5)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Poor
His versatility as a running defender / winger helps, however Prior has played fewer and fewer games with each passing season since starting 18 matches in his debut 2021 campaign. Managed just five games in 2023 and has fallen down the pecking order.
21. TOM FULLARTON (Key Forward) | Age: 24
Games: 19 (0)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Off-contract
CD Rating: NA
The Sunshine Coast product didn’t feature at AFL level in 2023 and might have to look elsewhere for opportunities next season.
22. HARRY SHARP (Midfielder) | Age: 20
Games: 10 (3)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Below Average
The uber-fit winger reportedly had interest elsewhere but chose to re-sign with the Lions on a two-year deal. Found plenty of footy at VFL level last season and is one to keep an eye on as he pushes for further senior opportunities in 2024.
23. CHARLIE CAMERON (Forward) | Age: 29
Games: 202 (26)
Home State: Queensland
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Above Average
Another All-Australian campaign from one of the competition’s top goalsneaks. Is the centrepiece of one of the best offences in the competition and shows no signs of slowing down as he readies for his age 30 season.
25. HENRY SMITH (Ruck/Key Forward) | Age: 21
Games: 0 (0)
Home State: South Australia
Status: End of 2026
CD Rating: NA
Yet to feature at AFL level and yet the Lions extended the ruck-forward by a further two seasons. The 206cm giant is being groomed to replace Oscar McInerney and continues to develop in the VFL.
26. CONOR MCKENNA (Defender) | Age: 27
Games: 105 (26)
Home State: Ireland
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Below Average
One of the absolute bargain gets of the off-season. There were question marks over how the former Bomber would fair after two seasons out of the league and he answered them emphatically. His run and dash from halfback alongside Darcy Wilmot gave the Lions a dangerous new look.
27. DARCY GARDINER (Key Defender) | Age: 28
Games: 158 (4)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Below Average
Endured a torrid run of injuries but got fit at the perfect time, replacing Payne for the prelim and grand final. His work in locking down Charlie Curnow in the prelim went a long way to Brisbane making their first grand final since 2004. With the club chasing Tom Doedee, could struggle for opportunity in 2024.
28. JASPA FLETCHER (Midfielder) | Age: 19
Games: 14 (14)
Home State: Queensland
Status: End of 2026
CD Rating: Below Average
What a debut season from the teenager, who broke into the side in Round 14 and didn’t look back. His three goals and 16 disposals in the qualifying final win over Port Adelaide showed he is already a ready-made starter.
29. JAMES TUNSTILL (Forward) | Age: 20
Games: 5 (2)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Poor
Made two appearances as the sub in 2023 but otherwise continued his development in the VFL. Found plenty of footy at that level but will find it hard to break into the senior side given those in front of him.
30. ERIC HIPWOOD (Key Forward) | Age: 26
Games: 153 (26)
Home State: Queensland
Status: End of 2029
CD Rating: Average
Enjoyed a career-best campaign booting 41 goals as his combination with Joe Daniher developed into one of the best tall tandems in the AFL. You still feel there’s more to get out of the Sunshine Coast talent, but he is tracking in the right direction after years of copping criticism.
31. HARRIS ANDREWS (Key Defender) | Age: 26
Games: 186 (26)
Home State: Queensland
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Elite
Took over the co-captaincy with Neale and put together a season to remember, culminating in an All-Australian nomination. Re-established himself as one of the premiere defenders in the competition.
32. DARCY FORT (Ruck) | Age: 30
Games: 33 (7)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2025
CD Rating: Poor
With Joe Daniher taking on the bulk of the backup ruck duties it limited the 204cm Fort’s opportunities last season. He featured in just seven games. Remains one of the better depth rucks in the AFL.
33. ZAC BAILEY (Mid-Forward) | Age: 24
Games: 118 (24)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2026
CD Rating: Above Average
Didn’t quite hit the highs of 2022 but Bailey enjoyed a standout season nonetheless. His two goals in the opening quarter of the grand final showed he’s ready-made for the September stage. Will play a big role in the Lions’ push for redemption in 2024.
34. SHADEAU BRAIN (Forward) | Age: 19
Games: 0 (0)
Home State: Queensland
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: NA
The Lions Academy product is a big-bodied medium forward who the club hopes can develop into a capable high half-forward in coming seasons. Has yet to get an opportunity at AFL level.
35. RYAN LESTER (Key Defender) | Age: 31
Games: 180 (19)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Above Average
Delisted and added as a rookie this time last year, Lester was contemplating retirement before being reinvigorated under new backline coach Jed Adcock. Played out a career-best year at age 31 and earned himself an extension. One of the stories of the season.
36. RHYS MATHIESON (Midfielder) | Age: 26
Games: 72 (0)
Home State:
Status: Off-contract
CD Rating: NA
It might finally be time to say goodbye to Beast Mode. Mathieson continues to light up the VFL but with other midfielders moving past him in the pecking order, he could be forced to look elsewhere for AFL opportunities.
37. BRANDON STARCEVICH (Defender) | Age: 24
Games: 97 (26)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Below Average
Brisbane’s Mr. Consistent played every game in 2023 and enjoyed another solid campaign. Has carved out a role as a reliable small defender and still has his best footy ahead of him.
39. CARTER MICHAEL (Defender) | Age: 21
Games: 1 (0)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Off-contract
CD Rating: NA
Shoulder and quad injuries cruelled the Lions Academy product’s season. Has barely had a run at it since being taken as a preselection in the 2020 rookie draft.
40. JACK PAYNE (Key Defender) | Age: 23
Games: 50 (23)
Home State: Queensland
Status: End of 2029
CD Rating: Below Average
Perhaps the story of the season for Brisbane. Payne stepped into the void left by Marcus Adams and quickly established himself as a key pillar in the back six. Almost doubled his career starts in one campaign. Was unfortunately cut down by an ankle injury late in the year.
41. DARRAGH JOYCE (Key Defender) | Age: 26
Games: 18 (5)
Home State: Ireland
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Poor
Was handed a lifeline by Brisbane after being cut by St Kilda and played five games in 2023, earning a one-year extension late in the year. A solid depth option with AFL experience.
43. NOAH ANSWERTH (Defender) | Age: 24
Games: 55 (4)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Below Average
After playing almost every game in 2022 featured just four times in 2023. Facial and shoulder injuries cruelled his VFL season.
44. DARCY WILMOT (Defender) | Age: 19
Games: 29 (26)
Home State: Victoria
Status: End of 2027
CD Rating: Average
Watching Wilmot in full flight is a thrill. The dashing defender played every game in his sophomore season and lit up the competition with his electric personality and play. Quickly became a key player in the Lions’ transition game and his development will be exciting to watch.
45. KALIN LANE (Ruck) | Age: 21
Games: 0 (0)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: NA
The 205cm mid-season draftee from 2021 remains a work in progress. Has shown some nice things at VFL level but will need to develop further to become an AFL regular.
46. OSCAR MCINERNEY (Ruck) | Age: 29
Games: 126 (25)
Home State:
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: Above Average
Consistently underrated amongst the competition’s top rucks, McInerney enjoyed arguably a career-best campaign in 2023. Was one of Brisbane’s best in the grand final defeat to Collingwood. Is one of the major reasons why the Lions midfield is so potent.
50. DARRYL MCDOWELL-WHITE (Forward) | Age: 26
Games: 0 (0)
Home State: Queensland
Status: End of 2024
CD Rating: NA
The son of club legend Darryl White has a ways to go before emulating his triple-premiership father. Kicked just nine goals in 21 VFL games.
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