Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann acknowledges that the faith of loyal fans is being tested – but says the influx of quality young talent will be a “turning point” for the Club.
The Lions have committed to a massive agenda of change both on and off the field since Justin Leppitsch began as Senior Coach in 2014.
Thirty-four changes have been made to the playing list in that time, while new heads of physical performance, welfare and administration have been also started with the Club.
Most notably, a competition-high 18 players have made their debuts since the start of 2014, and have played more than 300 games between them – also an AFL-high number.
When asked on lions.com.au’s From The Players’ Lounge Podcast why fans should keep the faith, Swann replied: “I think in time, last year’s draft will be looked back on as a turning point for the Club.
“I had all the first-yearers over for dinner two weeks ago and they are a really impressive young group – some of them are getting their chances now and I reckon we’ll see a few more get their chances before the end of the year.
“(Josh) Schache’s played 10 of the 11 games so far, Eric Hipwood was our next pick and he’s 203cm and can really play, and then (Ben) Keays, then (Rhys) Mathieson, then Sammy Skinner came back on the weekend for his first game from a knee reco.
“All those kids are super competitors and good players and in time they’ll be a solid core for this footy club.
“When you add in some of the kids from the year before – Harris Andrews, Liam Dawson – I think there is a real core coming through.
“I understand we have been testing the faith but there is a really bright future and I reckon the senior guys are driving the standards.
“It can turn really quickly when it clicks and I think that will happen here.”
Also on this week’s From The Players’ Lounge Podcast:
- The boys review Round 11
- Rocky's great performance
- Jansen's debut
- The boys talk turnovers
- Swanny and Brisbane life
- The draw
- The boys discuss our talented youth
- Training and Admin Base
- Re-signings
- Robbo's Journey
- The boys look ahead to the Fremantle game
Do you have someone you want to feature on the podcast? Send through your thoughts by tweeting the boys and using #LionsPlayersLounge
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