Picks: 7, 25, 41, 57, 69, 81, 82
Departures:
Robert Copeland, Anthony Corrie, Nigel Lappin, Beau McDonald, Wayde Mills, Matthew Moody, Chris Schmidt, Colm Begley (rookie), Haydn Kiel (rookie)
Where's the club at?
After a disappointing finish to the season which saw the Lions finish 10th for a second year in a row, there is likely to be no shortage of motivation at the Gabba. On paper, the Lions look a genuine top-eight contender and potentially a top-four prospect – although the same could have been said at a similar time last year. New coach Michael Voss seems intent on quickly putting his own stamp on the playing list, starting with the appointment of Jonathan Brown as sole captain.
Needs:
Time and again in 2008, former coach Leigh Matthew bemoaned the lack of ground level forward support for Brown and Daniel Bradshaw. Having traded away one crumber Anthony Corrie to Collingwood, the Lions are either going to place a lot of faith in the inconsistent Rhan Hooper or go looking for a goal-kicking small forward in the draft. A young ruckman to back up Jamie Charman and Matthew Leuenberger looks a wise investment and the Lions still don't have a genuinely big centre-half-back. Voss has previously flagged the need to add more quality midfield talent to his squad – watch for a running player to arrive with the Lions' first pick.
Recent drafts:
The Lions have targeted talls with recent top picks, a trend dating back to the selection of Jared Brennan at No. 3 in 2002. Some, like Llane Spaanderman and Cameron Wood (respectively pick 18 in 2003 and 2004) haven't worked out, while others such as Mitch Clark (9, 2005), Matthew Leuenberger (4, 2006) and Lachie Henderson (8, 2007) are promising works in progress. The Lions have a knack for finding talent with later picks – Jed Adcock, Michael Rischitelli (33 and 61 in 2003 respectively ), Justin Sherman (45, 2004), Joel Patfull (56, 2005) and Bradd Dalziell (52, 2007).
Chance of taking recycled players:
Not since Martin Pike in 2000 have the Lions taken another club's cast-off in the NAB AFL Draft. This might be the year that changes. The Lions have admitted an interest in Ben Cousins, while ex-Swan Nick Davis is due to start training with the club this week and would fit the mould as a ready-made ground level goal-kicker. Even Jeff White might hold appeal as a stop-gap ruck measure.
What Lions football manager Graeme Allan says:
"We think there is pretty deep talent pool to pick from in this year' s draft. We have spent a great deal of time watching these kids over the years and have a pretty good understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. You can never predict how the draft is going to pan out on the day because almost every club has different strategies and needs. All we can do is focus on the players we believe would be a good addition to our club and make that final decision when our pick comes around."
We say:
The Lions have their first pick at No.7, guaranteeing them one of the early gems, simply because one must fall through. With Jack Watts and Nick Naitanui set to be taken early, it leaves the prospect of Daniel Rich, Stephen Hill, Jack Ziebell, Hamish Hartlett or Tyrone Vickery falling through at No.7. The other name to watch is Ben Cousins. If the Eagle great nominates, expect the Lions to pounce at No.25 or No.41. Otherwise, the Lions may pass on their last selection so they can attempt to use it on Cousins at the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
