As the Brisbane Lions gear up for the second half of the 2015 season, lions.com.au has asked the journalists covering the team to analyse the year so far.
Today, The Courier-Mail's AFL writer Greg Davis has his say in the "Mid-Season Verdict" series:
1.) In one line, sum up the Brisbane Lions’ season to date.
GD: I only need two words - "Injury-ravaged''.
2.) What’s been the biggest positive of 2015 so far?
GD: Games into the kids. I'm sure Leppa would like to blood the young blokes in a more measured manner but they've had to be thrown into the deep end, on masse. It's short-term pain for long-term gain. The kids are having a dip too. The whole list is, to be fair. They are playing for each other and Leppa. The gameplan works when the team sticks to it. Criticism of Leppa from keyboard warriors on social media has been ridiculous.
The Mid-Season Verdict: Vince Rugari
3.) What’s the area that needs the most improvement?
GD: Skill level. The effort is often there but it is let down by poor execution. Doing two things out of three right isn't going to win you games at the top level. When the team puts it all together, they are capable of some breath-taking football. But when they fail to hit targets or go into their shells, it can be diabolical. The gap between Brisbane's best and worst football is still far too wide. But that's par for the course with a young list.
4.) Best player?
GD: Dayne Beams by the length of Vulture St. All he needs to do is finish the season and he'll win the B&F in a canter. Worth every cent and the melodrama of the trade with the Pies.
5.) Best young player?
GD: I'm biased towards tall blokes but Harris Andrews has still been the pick. He's a really good athlete for his size, can play either end of the ground and has very good hands. He's also a Queenslander too so there's no 'go-home' factor (unless Aspley get a team in the AFL).
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6.) Most improved player?
GD: Nick Robertson. Now that he can breathe properly after getting nose surgery, he is doing a really good job on a wing. He was already one of the club's best runners and he's a tough rooster too. He has really jumped out of the box.
7.) In one line, sum up what a successful 2nd half of 2015 looks like for the Brisbane Lions.
GD: More players coming back from injury for more wins. Good efforts are important for a young, developing side but you need to sell hope. Nothing sells hope like victories. And yes, I know that's more than one line.
8.) What do you think of Brion the Lion?
GD: I got wind of Brion's existence before Round 1 and to quote CEO Greg Swann, I was as "flat as a biscuit'' when he didn't arrive in time. It's hard not to pump up his tyres but I'm a massive fan of the big fella. I love his work on Twitter too. Move over Browny, Brion is the new Lion King.
