AFL Media look at our current list and the strengths, weaknesses and who to target for 2019.
List changes: Some experience has already been cut from the list led by Tom Bell and Rohan Bewick. Utilities Liam Dawson and Marco Paparone have also been delisted, along with rookies Jake Barrett and Claye Beams. Cian Hanley retired, returning to Ireland, earlier in the season.
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Harris Andrews, Matt Eagles, Jack Frost, Darcy Gardiner, Jack Payne, Sam Skinner, Josh Walker
General defenders: Cedric Cox, Mitch Hinge, Luke Hodge, Ryan Lester, James Madden, Sam Mayes, Daniel Rich, Nick Robertson, Alex Witherden
Summary: A really settled part of the list led by Andrews and Gardiner. There's good flexibility in most positions, although some line-breaking speed would be a nice addition. Cox could fit the bill if he develops.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Jacob Allison, Zac Bailey, Ryan Bastinac, Dayne Beams, Jarrod Berry, Tom Cutler, Ben Keays, Corey Lyons, Rhys Mathieson, Hugh McCluggage, Brandon Starcevich, Dayne Zorko
Ruckmen: Stefan Martin, Oscar McInerney, Archie Smith
Summary: Plenty of quality with Beams and Zorko still A-graders, and McCluggage and Berry developing superbly. Still desperately need more depth though, particularly inside midfielders that can spread from the contest.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Charlie Cameron, Allen Christensen, Cam Rayner, Mitch Robinson
General forwards: Lewy Taylor, Toby Wooller
Key forwards: Connor Ballenden, Tom Fullarton, Eric Hipwood, Dan McStay
Summary: Some genuine X-factor in this part of the ground with Hipwood, McStay, Cameron and Rayner. Should form the nucleus of an exciting forward line for years to come.
CONCLUSION
Getting close to the list that should take them back towards the finals. The big hole is still the midfield, with another two or three quality players required – and that they will target this gap heavily during Trade Period – to create the depth the Lions need.
