New Brisbane Lions Senior Coach Chris Fagan has identified pressure small forwards and an intercept marking key defender as the holes that need filling on the team’s list.
The Lions have pick No.2 in the draft and today received a priority pick at the end of the first round from the AFL Commission.
Brisbane needs a replacement for retired duo Daniel Merrett and Justin Clarke and defensive forwards.
“Small forwards who can put pressure on, we have a lack of depth in that area, I’d like to find some from somewhere,’’ Fagan told The Courier-Mail.
“Another key defender is going to be critical, hopefully one who can take intercept marks.
“They are the type of players we need to attract or develop.’’
His observations from watching Brisbane play and from behind the goals footage is that the players do not properly set-up defensively and are often caught ball watching.
“The last three flags, the rave has always been Hawthorn’s ball use but if you look at the defensive numbers and pressure, the Hawks are top four if not best,’’ he said.
“If I stick to my mantra of whatever we do is towards helping us win our next premiership, we’ve got to be good defensively.’’
Fagan says his initial estimation of Brisbane’s list is quite positive and said recruiter Peter Schwab had laid a good foundation for future success.
“I think our key position stocks are pretty good, everyone says that,’’ he said.
“They are the first bit you build a premiership team around.
“It is a pity Dayne Beams hasn’t played more footy because he would have definitely helped the quality in the midfield.’’
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