Brisbane’s 5-17 record from 2018 doesn’t do its season justice.
After a horror start with eight consecutive losses including a resounding 93-point loss to the reigning premiers Richmond, the Lions started to earn some respect on-field with a solid win against Hawthorn and spirited losses to Adelaide, North Melbourne and Collingwood.
Lions fans can start building their hopes on the young talent of Cameron Raynor, Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry and Alex Witherden, who will each look to take their game to the next level this season.
The loss of former captain and runner up best and fairest, Dayne Beams, to his past club Collingwood, was a blow to the side however the Lions will try to fill his spot with star Fremantle recruit, Lachie Neale.
Brisbane still have plenty of experience and established talent in Dayne Zorko, Luke Hodge and Stefan Martin among others, who will lead the second youngest team in the competition this season.
The Lions will take some confidence from their two JLT Community Series wins over 2018 top-eight sides Hawthorn and Melbourne, leading into a challenging Round 1 against reigning premiers West Coast.
While finals will be a big step up from finishing 15th last season, never say never for a side with the belief of the Lions.
OUR BEST 22 - ROUND 1
LIST CHANGES
IN: Marcus Adams (Western Bulldogs), Jarryd Lyons (Gold Coast Suns), Lincoln McCarthy (Geelong), Lachie Neale (Fremantle), Ely Smith (Murray Bushrangers), Thomas Berry (GWV Rebels), Tom Joyce (East Fremantle), Connor McFadyen (Brisbane Lions Academy), Noah Answerth (Oakleigh Chargers)
OUT: Dayne Beams (Collingwood), Sam Mayes (Port Adelaide), Jake Barrett (delisted), Claye Beams (delisted), Tom Bell (delisted), Rohan Bewich (delisted), Jack Frost (retired), Liam Dawson (delisted), Cian Hanley (retired), Marco Paparone (delisted)
MVP
Dayne Zorko will want to leave nothing behind in 2019 in his first full year as captain.
In 2018 he averaged 20 disposals a game and kicked 26 goals, taking out the club’s best and fairest for the fourth season in a row.
Zorko is the reliable linchpin the Lions need this season as the developing young talent grow around him and the other leaders.
BREAKOUT
In his second season Cam Raynor will look to improve further on a solid debut in 2018.
The No. 1 draft pick played every game last season and showed why, kicking 20 goals in 22 games and receiving a Rising Star nomination.
If he can avoid the second-year blues and flourish under the pressure to follow up on a strong debut season, Raynor will solidify a key role in a fast-improving Brisbane side.
UNDER THE PUMP
Contracted until 2021, Daniel Rich has to repay the faith shown by the Lions in 2016 with a five-year deal worth around $3 million.
The 2009 Rising Star winner has fallen short of reaching the potential shown in his debut season, and in 2018 he fell short of placing in the top 10 in the Lions’ best and fairest.
Rich hasn’t held a leadership role since 2016 when he was in Brisbane's leadership group, and Luke Hodge provides the backline with more experience and guidance than most.
At 29 years old, Rich is at risk of being pushed out of the side by the up-and-coming talent in the side.
Early Predictions...
1. Lachie Neale will take out the best and fairest in his first season as a Lion.
2. The team will push for finals contention but fall short of the top 8.
3. Eric Hipwood will take the next step in his third season to kick 40+ goals and breakout as a genuine tall forward of the competition.
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