Season Preview: Brisbane

2020 Recap The Lions had a once in a lifetime opportunity at a home grand final last year and they blew it. They did the hard work by beating Richmond in the qualifying final to set up a home preliminary final but could reach the final hurdle. It was already a step-up from the previous season, but they went out with barely a whimper against the Cats in the preliminary final. It would've been heartbreaking for Lions fans as they missed the chance at a grand final at the Gabba. [caption id="attachment_42344" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 13: Lachie Neale of the Lions takes a mark during the round 2 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Fremantle Dockers at The Gabba on June 13, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Brisbane were superb in the home and away season, rightly earning their double chance yet again. They and seemed to have learned from 2019's straight sets exit from the finals and used that during a compromised 2020 season, but it was an opportunity lost, no doubt. Their season was highlighted by Lachie Neale's Brownlow Medal win as he ran away with the award, he was terrific all year and was able to make the leap into the game's truest elite. Off-season moves Ins Joe Daniher (Essendon), Nakia Cockatoo (Geelong), Blake Coleman (national draft), Harry Sharp (national draft), Henry Smith (national draft). Outs Allen Christensen (retired), Matt Eagles (delisted), Corey Lyons (delisted), Jacob Allison (delisted), Sam Skinner (delisted), Toby Wooller (delisted), Stefan Martin (Western Bulldogs), Alex Witherden (West Coast). [caption id="attachment_36386" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Allen Christensen of the Lions celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL Second Semi Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the GWS Giants at the Gabba on September 14, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Off-season Grade B- The Lions have made some serious additions to their list but both ready-made recruits come in with huge question marks above their head, Joe Daniher can flip a game on its head, he has genuine star potential but his kicking is a huge deficiency. No more so than his body which has let him down for quite some time now. Nakia Cockatoo has speed to burn and has flirted with a breakout year ever since he entered the AFL system, but has never been given a run at it due to a riddled run of injuries. Losing Stefan Martin won't hurt too much, they have plenty of depth in the ruck position, but Alex Witherden is one that may hurt. Witherden was stuck behind Grant Birchall and opted to leave for more opportunities, Birchall's body hasn't always held up and if he does get injured early on, their half-back stocks aren't as strong as fellow premiership contenders. [caption id="attachment_71214" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 02: Joe Daniher talks to the media at press conference at Lion Park on November 02, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. The 26-year-old key forward joined the Lions on a three year deal on Friday, as free agent from Essendon. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)[/caption] If Daniher comes off as he did in the recent intra-club, where he kicked 4 majors, the Lions off-season grade no doubt goes up a ring or two. But for a side who struggled in front of goal all year, adding someone who has their own issues with goal-kicking may not solve those problems. Defining Period The Lions' defining period will be in the finals- should they make it. Brisbane need to prove they have again taken a step forward and are ready to be a genuine premiership threat. Their last two finals exits have been disappointing to say the least. Whether or not they put themselves in a position to seriously challenge will be defined by their form away from home not so much a period of time. They have established the Gabba as a fortress and will likely win most of, if not all of their home games. [caption id="attachment_42223" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Dayne Zorko and his Lions team mates look dejected after losing the round 1 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 22, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] If they can snare five or six wins minimum on the road they will be hard to dislodge from the top four. Best 22 B: Callum Ah Chee, Harris Andrews, Grant Birchall HB: Daniel Rich, Darcy Gardiner, Brandon Starcevich C: Hugh McCluggage, Lachie Neale, Mitch Robinson HF: Cam Rayner, Joe Daniher, Dayne Zorko F: Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood, Daniel McStay FOLL: Oscar McInerney, Jarryd Lyons, Jarrod Berry I/C: Lincoln McCarthy, Zac Bailey, Nakia Cockatoo, Ryan Lester [caption id="attachment_36137" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 18: Ryan Lester of the Lions gets a handball away during the round nine AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows at The Gabba on May 18, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Strengths and Weaknesses The Lions' strengths run deep, they have a lot of depth in their midfield which will keep their opposition on their toes. They have multiple players who can pinch-hit through the middle as well as midfielders who can go forward and impact the scoreboard. Their forward line is stacked as well, with Eric Hipwood, Daniel McStay, Joe Daniher and Charlie Cameron set to have defenses petrified. Cameron is arguably the game's best small forward and is incredibly hard to match-up on due to his speed and marking ability. [caption id="attachment_22046" align="alignnone" width="696"] LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Eric Hipwood of the Lions (second from right) celebrates a goal with Jake Barrett (left) and Cameron Rayner of the Lions during the 2018 AFL round 17 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Brisbane Lions at UTAS Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Harris Andrews is enough on his own to make the Brisbane defence a strength as well. A great organiser and keeps the Lions set-up really well behind the ball whilst being able to launch attacks from the back half. A weakness is clearly their goal-kicking. Last year the yips ran through the Lions like a cold in a childcare. Everyone got the yips and it very, very nearly cost the Lions some wins. They can't afford to be so wayward again because it will catch up with them and teams will make them pay. Prediction 5th The Lions will just miss out on the double chance, but it shouldn't be seen as a step backwards. 2020 was made to suit Brisbane, they got plenty of games at the Gabba while many other teams were forced to hub here, there and everywhere. [caption id="attachment_33585" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: Charlie Cameron of the Lions kicks during the round 22 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on August 17, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Brisbane will still be on the door of the top four but will just miss the mark as the playing field evens out.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	SYD	9	8	1	32	157.2
2	FRE	9	8	1	32	131.6
3	HAW	9	6	2	26	116.8
4	BL	9	6	3	24	124.5
5	GEEL	9	6	3	24	120.4
6	GC	9	6	3	24	118.5
7	MELB	8	5	3	20	100.2
8	WB	9	5	4	20	92.4
9	COLL	9	4	4	18	99.9
10	STK	9	4	5	16	109.3

Season Preview: Brisbane

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