The countdown is nearly over Lions fans!
Pre-season is a week away from wrapping up and with a trip to Adelaide only 10 days away, here's three things we liked from the practice matches.
With Marcus Adams on the inactive list due to ongoing concussion problems, Jack Payne showed some great signs against the Cats.
The 23-year-old looked right at home with his six intercept possessions and assured hands, working well with Harris Andrews, who had a day out, finishing with 13 intercept possessions and 23 disposals.
While Payne had an interrupted pre-season, he now enters his sixth season with more consistent opportunity than ever before.
With incredible pace for his 194cm frame, he has the ability to play medium or tall and from the glimpses we have seen so far, there's no reason Payne can't have a breakout year in 2023.
The Midfield Combo
It seems an obvious one to point out, but the midfield rotation of Neale, McCluggage, Dunkley and Ashcroft already looks the goods.
Combining for 114 disposals and 27 clearances in their game against Geelong, these four will no doubt create headaches for any opposition midfield in the season to come.
Dunkley's ability to bash and crash in the contest and apply defensive pressure was evident, finishing with a game high seven tackles as well as seven intercept possessions.
With newly appointed leadership roles, Neale and McCluggage both led by example and showcased their silky skills and outside run, while 18-year-old Ashcroft continues to catch the eyes of AFL fans nation wide, finishing with 26 disposals at 80.8% efficiency.
Dev Robertson's pre-season is also flying under the radar. The 21-year-old worked well in the midfield rotation, providing plenty of physicality and defensive pressure while also hitting the scoreboard in both our practice matches.
The Half-Back Brigade
The competition for spots in the back six has never been so hot.
In our practice match vs Geelong, a number of players rotated through the half-back flank and we're certainly glad we're not selectors.
Keidean Coleman's composure with footy in hand continues to astound, while Darcy Wilmot looks to have taken the energy and excitement from his Finals debut last year into the new season.
Daniel Rich's experience and lethal left foot are still impactful, while the Cam Rayner switch to half-back and arrival of Conor McKenna are both exciting.
Noah Answerth also got through his first game back from shoulder surgery unscathed in the VFL last week and will be available for selection in Round 1.
With a mixture of pace and clean ball users to choose from, it creates an interesting conversation about how we can utilise each players skills across the backline come Round 1.
We take on Port Adelaide in just 10 days! Take your seat for the season ahead right here.
