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)
Prediction
Brisbane are certain to be around the top four yet again, but it is becoming a situation of now or never to take the next step and make the grand final.
In 2022 the Lions will improve their recent 1-5 finals record to make the grand final, easing the minimal pressure that is waiting for them if they unceremoniously bowl out again.
Predicted position: 2nd
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