The intraclubs are over and real opposition is on the way, as we ramp up our pre-season preparations.
After watching the teams four hit-outs, we’ve put together a list of five players you should look out for in season 2023.
The Lions 3km time-trial king has come back with a point to prove in 2023.
Sharp returned to pre-season noticeably bigger and has been working hard on his skills, with teammates, Hugh McCluggage and Jaxon Prior both impressed with the 20-year-old.
“Sharpy looks fit and quick. He’s covering the ground really well as per usual but is showing that burst of speed that’s getting him to the loose ball with ease,” McCluggage said.
The agile winger has trained with the forwards for parts of the off-season, looking dangerous when the ball hits the deck and providing plenty of defensive pressure across the forward half.
“Harry’s put on some noticeable size and is kicking it really well. He’s really on his versatility and skills,” Prior said.
Sharp has played a majority of the Clubs intraclub games in Chris Fagan’s “1’s” side and will be one to watch in 2023.
It’s no secret that Cam Rayner has spent part of his pre-season in the back half.
The former #1 draft pick has played across the half back flank throughout intraclubs and has impressed with his rebound speed and tackle pressure.
Head Coach, Chris Fagan said that it was an experiment working out well so far.
“He’s a really good medium sized forward and a good, powerful midfielder when we need him to be, but we’re just wanting to see if he can do something else and so far, it’s going pretty well.”
While it’s unknown where the 23-year-old will play once Round 1 arrives, Rayner is adding another string to his bow that will only benefit the team come season start.
Four words: “the kid can play!”
Since arriving at the Club as a father-son selection, Will Ashcroft has hit the ground running and been in ‘best on’ conversations for three of the Lions four intraclub matches.
Congestion… then Ashcroft 😍 pic.twitter.com/khxDBIWUYO
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) February 10, 2023
Impressing with his clean skills and work inside the contest, Ashcroft has looked comfortable alongside Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage and is well placed for a Round 1 debut.
What’s even more exciting for Lions fans is the 18-year-olds ability to damage the scoreboard. Ashcroft has kicked five goals in the last fortnight and will be one not to miss throughout the year.
While a hamstring injury has interrupted and otherwise flawless pre-season, Dayne Zorko is a new man in 2023.
The 34-year-old returned to training in career-best shape. Noticeably fitter and stronger, the veteran looks to have put his niggling Achilles issues behind him as he eyes off a big 2023.
Participating in most of the Clubs pre-season conditioning and skills drills, Lions fans could see Zorko back to his electrifying best in the upcoming season.
From making his debut in a ‘baptism of fire’ against Melbourne, to winning the Neville Fallon Reserves Best & Fairest Award, there was plenty to like about Jimmy Tunstill last year.
Now in his second pre-season, the West Australian has been catching the eye of his teammates and coaches with reliable defender, Brandon Starcevich impressed by his extra craft and skills work.
“Jimmy’s tracking really well and is always working really hard on his game,” Starcevich said.
“He’s putting in the hours with extra craft – touch, kicking and learning the wing role and has been playing really well in our match sims.”
With a penetrative kick and clean on both sides of his body, expect the 19-year-old to be knocking on the door at selection as he looks to solidify a spot in the best 22.
