Further to Michael Whiting’s analysis of the Brisbane Lions’ firepower up forward on afl.com.au, Lachlan Dyson takes a more in-depth look at who might lead the way for the Club in terms of total goals next year.

It’s arguably the most important part of the game and for the Brisbane Lions, kicking goals has been the major responsibility of one champion of the game.

After topping the tally in 2013, Jonathan Brown has now kicked the most goals in a season for the merged Club a record five times; surpassing Alastair Lynch’s previous best of four.

Brown’s 28 goals last season were enough to hand him the title last year, although four of his teammates (Dayne Zorko, Josh Green and Brent Staker) also reached the twenties.

But with the Lions’ Co-Captain set to turn 33 at the end of next season, is it time for the mantle to be passed over to another, or will a year at full forward gift Brown his sixth goal-kicking award at the Club?

Let’s take a look at the contenders for the award this season:

Jonathan Brown
There has been talk that the Lions skipper will cement himself closer to goal in 2014, which will likely help his body to push through an entire season – something he has been unable to do in recent years.

Browny is almost too courageous for his own good and his body has taken the brunt of his bravery.

With an improved midfield and a bevy of quality players up forward, Brown could find himself with only one defender and some improved delivery this season. If so, the goal-kicking award will most likely rest on Brown’s mantelpiece for a sixth time.

Dayne Zorko
Zorko has been recognised as the standout performer so far this pre-season, and although some have suggested his output was less than in his outstanding debut season, the mature-ager still kicked 26 goals to finish second in the Lions goal-kicking. Expect big things from the hard-working Zorko in 2014.

Josh Green
The red-headed pocket rocket has also been touted as a big improver during this years’ pre-season and how many goals he kicks will likely depend on the talls around him.

If Jonathan Brown can create plenty of contests up forward, there will be no doubt Green will find himself with plenty of opportunities. And after kicking 24.6 in 17 games last season, he is notably accurate.

Brent Staker
As valuable as any player the Lions have on their list, Staker has the ability to shift forward or back depending on the make-up of the team.

If injury strikes a key defender, or the likes of Marco Paparone and Jackson Paine are playing good football, Staker may find himself in the backline to shore up an already impressive defence.

Jackson Paine
Recruited from Collingwood during this year’s trade period, Paine has voiced his desire to become one of the focal points up forward at the Lions.

After being shifted into a ‘third-forward’ role at the Pies, expect Paine to be given the opportunity to make centre-half forward his own this season.

Jordan Lisle
Despite only playing eight senior games last season, Lisle managed to kick 11 goals and amassed 50 majors with the Brisbane Lions’ Reserves side.

With almost 100 goals under his belt in the NEAFL over the past two seasons, the Lions’ camp will be hoping Lisle can be a serious contender for the goal-kicking award in 2014.

Marco Paparone
Likened to Nick Riewoldt due to his superior athleticism and marking ability, Paparone may be given the opportunity to take on the high-ground running that was usually reserved for Jonathan Brown.

Taken at Pick No.23 in the 2012 Draft, the 19-year old will be hoping to play a large portion of senior football in 2014.

With the Lions a little bit of a surprise packet this year, it is an open field for the goal-kicking award and with star midfielders Daniel Rich, Tom Rockliff and Pearce Hanley also enjoying a goal or two, it is tough picking an outright winner for this contest.

That’s not to mention developing key talls Michael Close and Jonathan Freeman, who are being earmarked for key roles in the future.

LIONS LEADING GOAL-KICKERS (Post-merger)
5 – Jonathan Brown (2007, 2009-10, 2012-13)
4 – Alastair Lynch (2000-03)
3 – Daniel Bradshaw (2005-06, 2008)
2 – Justin Leppitsch (2007-08)
1 – Jason Akermanis (2004)
1 – Jarrod Molloy (1999)
1 – Mitch Clark (2011)