It was a season like no other for the Brisbane Lions back six in 2022.
A strong first month saw the Lions defence hold their opposition to an average of just 68-points in an impressive stretch.
Through most of the year, Brisbane’s backline was solid and provided plenty of dash for their side, ranking first in the competition for contested marks and fourth for rebounds.
Impressively, the Lions also finished the season ranked first for one-percenters, led by Vice-Captain, Harris Andrews who was the competition leader in the same category.
In another COVID affected year, the defensive depth of the Lions was tested on numerous occasions, with 17 players rotating through the back half of the ground at different stages of the season and 14 in Rounds 15 – 20 alone.
In no other game was this more evident than in Brisbane’s Round 17 match against Essendon, with mainstays Harris Andrews, Keidean Coleman, Daniel Rich, Dayne Zorko and Noah Answerth all unavailable due to injury or H&S Protocols.
Backline Coach, Murray Davis reflected on the whirlwind day at the Gabba.
“The changes kept coming right up until the day before the game,” he said.
“The focus for the defenders was built around keeping the instructions clear, and outside of Carter everyone had AFL experience.”
As a result, Lions fans saw the debut of Carter Michael, who hit the ground running in his debut game with a classy goal from eight touches in a glimpse of what’s to come.
The rise of Keidean Coleman towards the back end of the season will have Brisbane diehards licking their lips, while three-gamer, Darcy Wilmot, is already a fan favourite with his energy and attitude.
Brandon Starcevich had arguably his best season to date, continually locking down on the opposition’s best small forwards, finishing third in Brisbane’s Merrett-Murray count and winning the Shaun Hart Trademark Player of the Year award. Another win for the club came in Noah Answerth's return, playing his most consistent footy since 2019 after an injury ravaged two seasons.
2023 is a Big Year for…
In his most consistent season to date, Payne featured 12 times for Brisbane and was a key contributor in the absence of Marcus Adams.
At 197cm, the 23-year-old is incredibly quick for his size and showed his ability to play on tall and medium sized defenders.
Payne is no stranger to the big stage, playing five finals from his 27 games and impressing in the Lions Semi-Final win over Melbourne with 10 marks, six pressure acts and eight spoils.
Backline coach, Murray Davis said the tall defender’s development will only benefit from big games.
“Jack added some different elements to his game throughout the season. He stood up for us in some key moments and he’s got the speed to play on some of the most dangerous forwards in the competition,” Davis said.
“He’s played five finals now, that sort of exposure in big games should continue to drive Jack’s development.”
Unsung Hero
It was a unique season for Brisbane’s Vice-Captain.
Having nursed an injury through the back half of the 2021 campaign, Andrews was the target of media scrutiny in patches of the 2022 season.
Not one to buy into the outside noise, the 25-year-old put his head down and let his football do the talking, with statistics suggesting he was back to his influential best.
Andrews had more contested defensive one on ones than any other player in the competition and staggeringly, of his 139 contests, he lost just 30 of them.
The dual All-Australian ranked first in the AFL for one-percenters, third for spoils and tenth for total marks.
Without the help of Darcy Gardiner and Marcus Adams at different times throughout the season, Andrews was as solid as ever and will take plenty of momentum in 2023.
Knocking on the Door
Darcy Wilmot
Lions fans have had a small taste of Darcy Wilmot in his three-game career, but that glimpse has been enough to excite footy lovers everywhere.
The first Brisbane Lion to debut in an AFL Final, Wilmot rose to the occasion of the sold-out Elimination Final, highlighted by his spectacularly celebrated first goal.
The 18-year-olds line coach, Murray Davis said that the youngsters has provided plenty of energy.
“Darcy’s got great energy and his intent to compete and win his one-on-ones is a good starting point for any defender. There is no doubt with a big pre-season we’ll see more of his offensive game. He has the ability to take the game on and create opportunities for our backline.
Wilmot’s inclusion into the side presents a welcome selection headache in the upcoming season where the Lions will be spoilt for choice across the half back line between young talents Noah Answerth and Keidean Coleman as well as veteran Daniel Rich to choose from.
