Lions.com.au takes a look at some of the players who could find themselves in different positions in 2016.
Where do you think these boys will line up?
Daniel McStay
At 195cm and 95kg, Daniel McStay is the perfect prototype for a back or a forward. With a strong marking ability and big bodied frame, the 20-year-old could play at both ends of the ground.
Drafted as a defender, during his years with the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup U18 competition, he showed an ability to shut down opposition forwards while providing good counter-attack. McStay’s second season at the Gabba was characterised by steady development and a handful of standout performances. He had two 3 goal hauls and a career best four goals in Round Six against Carlton, playing 20 games.
Training with the defensive group this pre-season, McStay has added plenty of bulk to his frame and looks to join the Club’s backs from 2016 and beyond.
Daniel Rich
2016 could signal a move back to the midfield for Vice-Captain Daniel Rich.
Rich averaged almost 20 touches a game but lacked zip and his normal game-changing, line-breaking impact in his role off the halfback flank last season.
The West Australian reported back to pre-season training ahead of schedule for a handful of sessions with the club’s young brigade after completing his first triathlon during his break. The hard yards over summer will come in handy as Rich eyes a spot in the Brisbane midfield.
Dayne Zorko
With the arrival of new recruits Tom Bell, Ryan Bastinac and Jarrad Jansen creating more strings to the Lions’ midfield bow, you’d expect Vice-Captain Dayne Zorko to spend more time in the forward line in 2016.
Drifting from half forward to the midfield, the Queenslander attributed a move further up the ground to getting the most out of his football in 2015. Zorko’s form in the back half of the season was exceptional, earning him his first Merrett-Murray Medal at the 2015 Club Champion awards night.
Sam Mayes
The 21-year-old spent time playing off half back and on the wing in the Lions’ line-up in 2015, a season in which he notched up his 50th game for the Club.
Mayes proved he can have a damaging boot – kicking five goals from the wing in the NEAFL last year. A stand-out on the track this pre-season, Mayes will look to nail down a spot on a half-back flank and wing.
