Doubt is surely starting to enter the mind of the Brisbane faithful. After three straight seasons of blowing out in the finals, can they jump the final hurdle?
Finishes of second and fourth have resulted in two straight-set exits and a prelim loss in 2020.
The arrival of spearhead Joe Daniher was touted as the final key to finally making the grand final, and while the ex-Bomber was a large asset in their success, expectations will rise this season.
While that obviously didn't occur, the Lions are still in good stead to take the next step forward.
Off-season moves
Ins: Darcy Fort (Geelong Cats, 2022), Kai Lohmann (2023), James Tunstil (2023), Darcy Wilmot (2023)
Outs: Connor Ballenden (delisted), Grant Birchall (retired), Tom Joyce (delisted), Archie Smith (retired), Brock Smith (delisted), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (inactive)
Weaknesses
Backline speed: The one aspect of a pretty round defence that is lacking for the maroon, blue and gold is speed.
They do have their assets, Daniel Rich, Brandon Starcevich, Marcus Adams and star Harris Andrews, but where is the speed?
There is a lack of a line breaker, a real runner who can get the ball to travel 100 metres through running and disposal use. Not only provide run and carry but also keep up with the opposition's quick small forwards.
Callum Ah Chee can provide that but who else does Brisbane have?
Fortunately for them, newly drafted Darcy Wilmot is a fast running defender who may be able to provide them with the dash they need, while forward Keidean Coleman could also be utilised in Fagan's rearguard.
Winning when it matters:Â Brisbane have done well to make the top four in the last three seasons, but once September comes around, it's as if a whole other team takes to the field.
In the three years, the Lions have a record of 1-5 in finals, three of the losses by over five goals and two less than three points.
Concerns are starting to emerge, if they don't start winning finals, other teams are going to surpass them soon, and this period will be deemed a failure.
It's not just finals either, their form against those sitting around them is worrisome. Last season, they went 2-8 against top-six sides.
