Can the Brisbane Lions make it back-to-back flags for the second time in NEAFL history? NEAFL.com.au take a look at how the Club is shaping ahead of the season. 

2017 SUMMARY

The Lions climbed the mountain top in 2017, capturing their third premiership – a league high, riding a wave of confidence under head coach Mitch Hahn; defeating the Swans by a mere three-points at the SCG.

Brisbane were among the league’s most efficient teams by foot, ranking first in the league for total kicks, effective kicks and long kicks (more than 40m). 

To their benefit, Brisbane were supported by a bevy of AFL-listed players but were complimented truly by several U-18 and U-19 academy prospects, making the Lions the most complete squad in the league last season.

WHAT’S NEW IN 2018?

Western Jets’ star Cameron Rayner was the first name off the board in last November’s AFL National Draft, as the Lions added the strongly built forward-mid with their first pick in the draft.

Joining him were interstate recruits Zac Bailey, Brandon Starcevich and Toby Woller along with academy prospects Connor Ballenden and Jack Payne, both who played a handful of games for the Lions’ NEAFL side in 2017. 

FIRST MONTH

Brisbane enter the season as perhaps the most formidable team, however the Lions’ confidence may be in jeopardy across the opening month as the reigning premiers open their title defence with a stretch of season-defining games.

A trip to Darwin in the autumn heat may prove difficult in their season opener, before returning to Brisbane where a Grand Final rematch against a Sydney outfit wanting retribution awaits.

Potentially challenging fixtures against AFL clubs Gold Coast and GWS Giants round out the first month.

2018 WILL BE A HIT IF…

The Lions have finished no higher on the AFL ladder than 17th for the past three seasons.

Chris Fagan will be looking for plenty of development from young guns Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry, Alex Witherden, Eric Hipwood and Rhys Mathieson, while hoping the pressure for spots increases with Cameron Rayner, Cedric Cox, Jacob Allison, and Zac Bailey all pushing for their time in the AFL.

While developing players to AFL standard is the club’s main priority, having on field success in the NEAFL will breed a winning culture that the Lions crave.

2018 WILL BE A MISS IF…

Injuries threaten to dismantle the Lions’ AFL and NEAFL campaigns. With such an inexperienced team, any extended time spent on the sidelines from the Club’s best players will expose their young side, leaving big gaps to fill in the NEAFL.

STAR POWER

Brisbane will be looking towards their experienced rookies to guide the NEAFL side in 2018 while they push for their opportunity to be elevated to the senior list.

NEAFL Team of the Year member Oscar McInerney was superb in the ruck last season, and Matt Eagles’ finals campaign earned the 28-year-old a contract extension. Claye Beams will add strength in the midfield alongside Jake Barrett and Mitch Hinge.

ROOKIE WATCH

After making a handful of appearances for both Brisbane and Redland in 2017, medium sized forward Ben Sloan has committed to the Lions in 2018 in an effort to boost his draft stock come the end of the year.

With nine NEAFL games across the past two seasons under his belt, Sloan has averaged just over one goal per game, although, given his age, has been on the fringes of his respective teams. In 2018, he has the chance to solidify a place in the team once and for all and is poised to develop into one of the most dangerous young forwards in the league.

TO KICK THINGS OFF

Round 1, April 7
NT Thunder v Brisbane Lions at TIO Stadium, 6.30pm.