What’s worked
Again it's been the young blood that's put a smile on Lions faces. After a slow start, NAB AFL Rising Star winner Lewy Taylor has found a home on the wing and Dan McStay has been terrific as the primary forward target. Nick Robertson has progressed in his second season, while Marco Paparone and first-year stringbean Harris Andrews have proved they are long-term defensive options.
What hasn’t
The injury toll has been horrendous. Pearce Hanley – arguably the club's most influential player - missed the first 10 games, full-back Daniel Merrett has played just once, and captain Tom Rockliff has broken his ribs twice and played just seven games. With all the injuries, there hasn't been much experience on the park, but those that have played, have generally been below par. Vice-captains Dayne Zorko, Daniel Rich and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger haven't consistently given enough for their younger teammates.
Story of the season
He came with a big reputation and even bigger price tag, and so far Dayne Beams has delivered in spades. In a depleted midfield, Beams has played every game and shone like a beacon. He is averaging almost 29 disposals and has not shirked a heavy workload. Young teammates already look up to him, and Beams should become even more influential once Hanley gets match-fit and Rockliff returns.
Best win
Coming off their first win of the season against Carlton the previous week, the Lions denied Port Adelaide their patented run-and-gun game with a strong four-quarter showing and a stirring home victory.
Best individual performance
After missing most of 2014 with ruptured ACL, Rich hit the ground running with a stunning display against Collingwood in round one. He had 29 disposals, six clearances and two trademark long-range goals to almost inspire an improbable comeback victory.
Brownlow leader
Beams performed well in both wins and might pinch votes elsewhere with some high-possession outings. Stefan Martin would be pushing closely.
The revelation
Harris Andrews. Has held his own as a key defender – no mean feat for an underdeveloped 18-year-old.
The missing
It started in pre-season with Hanley requiring hip surgery and just got worse. Rockliff broke his ribs in round one, then again in round nine, while Merrett's ongoing hamstring problem has depleted the backline of its most bankable commodity. Reliable Redden and Adcock have missed multiple matches, while young forwards Michael Close and Jono Freeman – certain to play plenty of games – have played twice between them. It's been a disaster.
Worst performance
The round five QClash loss against Gold Coast was an embarrassment. Both teams were winless, but losing by 64 points to a Suns team minus Ablett, Swallow, O'Meara and Malceski was unacceptable.
Mark of the year
Rohan Bewick, R1 v Collingwood
Goal of the year
Three games that shape the season
R16, Melbourne, MCG
R19, Gold Coast, Gabba
R20, Carlton, Gabba
Fantasy Pig
Stefan Martin, average 104.8 points
STATS LEADERS
Disposals Dayne Beams (316)
Marks Marco Paparone (70)
Contested Marks Stefan Martin (14)
Goals Josh Green (18)
Inside 50s Dayne Beams (54)
Clearances Dayne Beams (72)
Contested possessions Dayne Beams (144)
