After several years of being top four and going so close, the Lions have gone hard via the trade period and the draft to take the next step as genuine contenders. Season 2023 looms as crunch time for this outfit who undoubtedly have the quality to feature on the last Saturday in September.
The arrivals of Josh Dunkley, Will Ashcroft, Jack Gunston and Conor McKenna have sent a ripple through the competition and put everyone on notice. The Lions mean business and are determined to make the most of a deep list that is in its prime.
Last season they again went deep into September, however, were unceremoniously dumped from the finals by a rampant Geelong. That follows their straight-sets exit in season 2021 and another preliminary final loss to the Cats in 2020.
Though they finished sixth on the ladder, the Lions won 15 games and were one win off a top-four spot given their healthy percentage. They didn't need the double chance in the end, knocking Richmond out narrowly before stunning reigning premiers Melbourne at the MCG.
See Also: Five burning questions: Melbourne Demons
Though the season ended on a sour note, the Lions have plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading into 2023. They are in their prime, boast one of the best on-ball brigades in the competition and have recruited elite talent all over the park.
Brisbane are going to be one of the great teams to watch in 2023, however, with so much potential also comes a heavy weight of expectation. Here are the burning questions ahead of this season for the Lions.
5. Is this the year that Cam Rayner stamps himself on the competition?
As a number one draft pick, Cam Rayner was already going to have lofty expectations placed upon him.
He is a fine player, showing in bursts just why the Lions took him first in the draft. The one criticism of him is that he doesn't yet do it consistently and for long enough in games.
He absolutely has the talent, yet the doubts are beginning to creep in on whether he can become a full-time midfield beast in the mould of Dustin Martin or Christian Petracca. That's not to say he won't get there, these types of players can take time, yet for Rayner, it is starting to run out.
With a new role across half-back being mooted, the potential for him to take his game to another level is certainly there. We've seen the likes of Jack Sinclair and Nick Daicos excel across half-back, it's a position that suits quick, efficient kicks who like to give and go.
Returning from an ACL rupture in 2021, Rayner had a solid 2022, averaging a goal, 2.8 inside 50's, 2.4 clearances and 2.3 tackles per game. While solid, those numbers are unspectacular for a player of his calibre and a move across half-back may not just build his confidence, but allow him the chance to play a more prominent role.
He will be one to watch in 2023.
