Brisbane Lions Season Preview

Is Voss a genius, or a very silly man? The jury is still out, but how the Brisbane Lions season unfolds could well change the way that sides approach the Trade Week - in the very least Voss' approach to list management is sure to be a talking point for years to come. Having been knocked out in a semi-final by the Western Bulldogs in 2009, Brisbane will be one of many sides hoping to improve again in 2010.

Forward Line:

One of the seasons biggest stories will be how Brendan Fevola goes playing up North, and exactly how they Lions set up having him pairing with Johnathon Brown. In these two, the Lions have two of the most exciting and reliable key forwards in the AFL. Both are capable of kicking regular bags, and it would not surprise for their return to be higher than the rival two-pronged attack down in Hawthorn. Brown will enjoy the freedom of being able to spend more time up the field, and possibly take a few midfield rotations like he has in the past. Fevola will be comfortable leading out from the goal square, and should enjoy some good delivery from the likes of Power, Black and Rich.

The remainder of the Lions forward set up is still a bit of a mystery at this stage, with no real stand outs who are likely to contribute significantly to the goals tally. There is however a handful of younger players coming through, such as Polkinghorne, Sheldon and Rockliff (who was very impressive in the NAB Cup last week against the Western Bulldogs, Super Coach fans) who are sure to give the Lions fans some faith in their developing youth.

Buchanan and Staker, two new recruits will also get their opportunities in the forward half, and it will be interesting to see the management of their 3 rucks, and if one of Charman, Clark or Leuenburger get an opportunity to cement a spot as a more permanent forward.

Key Player: Brendan Fevola

How Fevola goes this season will be a big factor in the Lions ability to improve on their 2009 season. Fevola at his best could return 80-100 goals, and whilst the Lions won't want to put too much pressure, or even mark Fevola based on his goals-output, they will be quietly hoping he can provide a significant number of goals. Having Brown in the same side is sure to help Fevola, as he may often receive the second best defender, and working with Brown they will be able to stretch many of the Leagues best backlines.



Midfield:

The Lions midfield is looking very strong, with a good mixture of players with different qualities. The old heads of Black and Power will again be super important - they are still very effective players who'll require the attention of opposition taggers. Daniel Rich will be looking to improve on his terrific 2009 season, and has the tools to become a very damaging player, with his ability to win the contested ball and also use it with a powerful, penetrating boot.

Travis Johnstone will be hoping for a more consistent season after struggling at times last year. At this best, he's a solid contributor who can work outside in the space and use his foot skills to advantage. Brennan provides the X-Factor, and is a difficult match up for any opposition coach. He can play inside and out, and just has the knack of doing special things at the right times. He'll drift forward, take huge marks and kick goals. He'll put in a few repeat efforts and dazzle with his ability to take the ball and accelerate.

Not far behind in the X-Factor department is one of my favourites, Justin Sherman. Add Rischitelli - whose certainly one to watch with interest this year to see how his role may change, Selwood, Redden and a few others likely to spend some more time in the midfield rotations such as Polkinghorne, and it's a good looking mix.

Key Player: Justin Sherman

Sherman is one bloke who is just exciting to watch. He's unpredictable, which his coach would love and opposition coaches would have nightmares about. He's confident, he's quick and he loves to take the game on at every opportunity. At times he'll look foolish doing so, but players like him who are prepared to take the game on and break it open are worth their weight in gold.

Fevola and Brown will love seeing him dashing forward, and the inside players will be looking to find Sherman in space at every opportunity. How Sherman handles the additional pressure this year, and how teams move to counteract his brazen run and carry will be a good story to follow.


Rucks:

So who is the Brisbane Lions #1 ruck? Last year they looked in a lot of trouble when suddenly they were caught without their first two choices in Charman and Leuenberger, but what a difference a year can make. Mitch Clark is now the undisputed #1, however could he be of more value playing in a different position? He was after all drafted as a key position player, not a ruckman.

Charman and Leuenberger are set to battle it out for the #2 role, and Leuenberger seems set to be the man, however don't discount Charman. Whether they can fit all 3 in the side remains to be seen, but in my opinion it is doubtful - unless one of them can add another string to their bow and do more than pinch hit in the F50. Charman could well do just that, but how his mobility and agility goes coming back from a fairly serious injury will be interesting to observe. At the end of the day, the Lions will have terrific depth through their ruck stocks, and will be hoping to use this to advantage over many other sides, especially the top sides, many of whom don't look as comparably strong in the ruck department.


Key Player: Mitch Clark

Can Clark replicate his form from 2009? Can he take that form to a new level? The supporters of the Brisbane Lions will be hopeful of the later, but would probably be content with the former too - such was the form Clark displayed in 2009. But where to from here? Is he a ruck first and foremost, or is he still capable of holding down a key position elsewhere - and does the addition of Fevola help make the decision easier? Surely he's got to lead the rucks again, and he should prove the ideal player to match it with the up and coming generation, the Kruezer's and Naitinui's who are set to showcase elite agility and speed around the ground in combination with their rucking duties.


Defenders:

The Brisbane back half is very blue-collar, and I say this in a polite way, because a hard working defence is what every team wants. No nonsense, get the job done. There are some handy names down there, including a player I liken to All-Australian Dale Morris - Joel Patfull, as well as Merret and McGrath who aren't the prettiest players going around, but they'll get the job done. They'll play above their weight with no fuss and not give an inch. There is also plenty of class in the back half, Adcock and Drummond are two of the premier run and carry defenders, who love racking up the possessions and breaking the lines.

Hawksley is a relatively unknown guy at this stage, but he'll be looking to improve again on the back of his 7 games last season. McGuire - one of the more intruiging pick ups of the off-season will be another who could well play a key role in the back half for the Lions. If he can get his body right he can really assist with their match ups down back, and will allow greater freedom to players such as Patfull who'll no doubt be looking to become a bit more of an offensive weapon during the 2010 AFL season.

The loss of Joel MacDonald may hurt, but the Lions have acquired Andrew Raines - a player who at his peak should be able to nail a role in the backline. He's another who had a very disappointing season down at Richmond in 2009, and will be hoping the move north can resurrect his career.


Conclusion:

Brisbane will again be around the mark - all going well. They have added some key players, and a few others who if they can take the next step, or make a come back to their previous form should add a lot to their group. Ensuring their forward line set up works well is crucial, as will be providing some protection for Daniel Rich who is set to become a marked man during the 2010 season. Can guys like Patfull and Polkinghorne find new levels? Can Clark repeat or improve on his 2009 form? Will Brennan have another consistent season? Will Travis Johnstone survive? And what impact will age have on Power and Black? Like I said, if all goes to plan, they could have a very good year. So, is Voss a genius? The proof will be in the pudding....

Finish: 5-8.

B&F Winner: Mitch Clark

NAB Rising Star Nominations: Redden, Rockliff.

Injured Players for Rd 1: Barlett, Clarke and Garner. All have knee injuries and their progress should be monitored. All unlikely to play in 2010.

Brownlow Medal Hope: Simon Black

Leading Goal Kicker: Brendan Fevola