The Brisbane Lions are set to boast a dynamic midfield in 2019 with the new group looking synergised following their latest practice game last Friday, February 8.
It was one of many positives following the intra-club game at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex which saw a probables v possible team compete ahead of the JLT Community Series.
The group, noticeably with the offseason additions of Lachie Neale and Jarryd Lyons, boasted a commanding presence in the hit-out.
“We've been very happy with how the midfield group has been going so far. That'll be pretty important for us this year,” Brisbane Lions Strategy Coach Danny Daly told lions.com.au.
“It's about them getting synergy with our other midfielders and our ruckmen. They're coming together pretty well as a group.
The Lions have now played close to five practice games in the lead up to the season to ensure the squad is match fit for Round 1.
But while the Lions’ coaching staff have been anything but coy in their desire to trial defenders and forwards in different positions, the midfield group have remained largely intact throughout the handful of games.
The additions of Neale and Lyons to the group, along with the departure of Dayne Beams to Collingwood, have given the collective a new feel and getting all players thinking and acting as one has been high on the coaches’ priority list.
“The midfield has been the one area of the team that we have kept solid throughout the five practice games because obviously Lachie and Jarryd are new to the club,” Dally said.
“They're both good contested ball winners and they've already shown in the practice matches their ability to win the ball and then get it out to our runners.”
The injection of both players to the team gives an immediate boost to ensure the club continue to progress and develop.
Neale in particular has the potential to be a game changer for the Lions after dominating in Friday’s hit-out.
The ninth-year midfielder was unparalleled around the stoppages and went about finding plenty of the footy in near 30-degree conditions.
His efforts at the coalface weren’t just restricted to the offensive side of things either, with Neale often found tracking back into defence to stem any opposition inside 50s.
“He’ll just be someone who can win the ball for us around the contest and he works hard both ways in transition. He has a knack of just finding the footy,” Dally said.
“One thing we’ve probably lacked over the last few years is someone who has elite hands out of contested situations and he brings that.
“His leadership around the Club has also been enormous thus far.”
The Lions will play a practice games against the Gold Coast SUNS at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, February 23 at 3:00pm AEST. Entry to the game is free.
