Snapshot
WITH a new coach and 13 new players on their young list, not much was expected of the Lions. Any hopes of success plummeted following long-term injuries to Daniel Rich, Matthew Leuenberger, Ash McGrath and Brent Staker, but after a disastrous 1-9 start, the Lions played some exciting footy in the second half of the season to show there's plenty of reason for optimism at the Gabba.
The coach
Justin Leppitsch walked into a club in turmoil and a team in transition, and despite being dealt a rough draw and a glut of injuries, has passed his first year with flying colours. Always engaging and enlightening with the media, Leppitsch kept playing his youngsters through adversity and was rewarded with some exciting performances late in the season.
What worked
If there was a choice between a senior player and a youngster, Leppitsch invariably went with youth. James Aish, Lewis Taylor, Darcy Gardiner, Daniel McStay, Jonathan Freeman, Tom Cutler and Nick Robertson all debuted and showed plenty.
After five young players walked out last off-season, the Lions needed a change. More welfare staff, more development coaches, more love from the senior players and they're a happy family again. Take note of how many young players extended their contracts – Sam Mayes, Michael Close, Taylor, Gardiner among a stack of others.
When they got a fair share of the ball, the Lions played quick, up-tempo footy and unearthed the 'Mozzie Squad' of Dayne Zorko, Josh Green and Taylor – a trio of lightning- quick small forwards who linked up often and created plenty of scoring chances.
What failed
Every coach in the AFL talks about the importance of contested footy, and the Lions were dead last in this category. They're young and lightly built, but this area needs work.
With such an inexperienced group, they were always going to need a good run with injuries, and the Lions got the opposite. Rich (knee), Leuenberger (knee), Brent Staker (calf), Jack Redden (ankle) and Jonathan Brown (head – retirement) all missed big chunks.
Once Brown retired, the big forward onus fell on the likes of talented youngsters Close and Freeman in conjunction with veteran Daniel Merrett. While they had their moments, there was still a heavy reliance on the small forwards to kick a winning score.
MVP: Tom Rockliff
His stats say it all, but Rockliff's influence runs much deeper. After finishing fifth in last year's Brownlow Medal count, the 24-year-old took his game to another level, leading the league in average disposals and tackles. The vice-captain is the Lions' spiritual leader, and when he missed games through suspension against Geelong and West Coast, the Lions lost narrowly. He is a future captain and in contention for his first All Australian selection.
Surprise packet:
Half way through the year and on the comeback from a third hamstring injury in six months, it was a short-price bet Stefan Martin would be delisted at season's end. But once given a chance in round 12, his career revival was nothing short of remarkable. Arguably the form ruckman of the competition since then, Martin has averaged more than 20 disposals a game.
Best rookie/first-year player:
With nine debutants, there's plenty to choose from, but Taylor just gets the nod. He has played every game, primarily at half-forward, and mixed blistering speed and evasion with composed ball use. Special mentions go to defender Gardiner and midfielder Aish.
Lewis Taylor has been outstanding in his first season. Picture: AFL Media
Disappointment:
In a team with so much youth, Leppitsch needed his senior core to stand up. While Andrew Raines and Brent Moloney (hampered by an Achilles injury) playing twos didn't help, Merrett was the man playing well below par. He struggled early at full-back, and then even more when moved forward following Brown's retirement. He had a tough role, but is capable of so much more.
Mayes had a poor second season, but can be slightly excused as Leppitsch tried to educate him in a number of new roles.
Best win:
When you're not predicted to win many they're all special, but it's hard to go past the round 15 upset of North Melbourne. The Lions trailed by 22 points early, and while it wasn't their most polished display, managed to eke out a thrilling four-point win at home to cap an emotional night that farewelled champion Jonathan Brown.
Low point:
The 113-point loss against Port Adelaide in round four capped a nightmare fortnight. In round three, the Lions were thumped by little brother Gold Coast, and lost Rich (knee) for the season and Merrett (suspension). Against the Power they were humiliated and lost Leuenberger (knee) and Hanley (hamstring). Many 'experts' thought they'd struggle to win a single game after that horror two weeks.
What needs to improve?
The Lions struggled terribly to score, and while pointing the finger at the key forwards is a fraction simplistic, it's an area that still needs improvement. Merrett battled and the young boys were admirable, but more reliable production from them will not only boost the score, but bring the lively Mozzie Squad into the game even more.
Who's done? Retirements: Jonathan Brown, Ash McGrath, Brent Moloney
The last links to the premiership era waved goodbye as captain Brown succumbed to repeated head injuries, and McGrath called time. A persistent Achilles injury also forced Moloney to finish his 12-year career.
Delistings: James Polkinghorne, Jordan Lisle, Andrew Raines, Patrick Wearden
While the club is yet to officially swing the axe, if you look at Leppitsch's selections, a few players appear to be in strife. Polkinghorne, Lisle and Raines all spent most of the year in the reserves, while Wearden (despite a bad run with injuries) is still without a senior game after three years. The club has already announced Raines' departure.
Trades/free agents:
The players listed above may look to get a run elsewhere, but don't expect the Lions to be trading anyone else.
What they need:
Natural progression will take care of a few areas, but in reality the Lions still need a bit of everything. A key position player at either end would help, while a mature, elite ball-user off half-back (who wouldn't want one of those?) would allow Rich, Hanley and Mayes to use their skills in the midfield or forward of centre.
