And it’s probably fair to say that both were quite restrained with their expectations.
Neither Whiting nor Fay could foresee September action for the Lions when they gazed into their crystal ball, and instead had the Club finishing 12th and 11th respectively.
Fay, who boldly predicted a Finals berth last season, said he was more “realistic” about the team’s chances this year – particularly following such considerable changes over the off-season.
“I think they’ll go forwards, but only marginally. I’m a bit more realistic this year,” Fay said as part of the Fancast.
“I think a new game plan, and losing the five players will mean we’ll play a lot more young kids who will take a little longer to come along.”
Whiting, meanwhile, expects there to be some similarities with 2013.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve got any fans, but any I’ve got I’m going to lose because I think they’ll finish around 12th,” Whiting said.
“I can see a very similar situation to last year. I think there’s quite a few clubs around that mark that are going to be hard to climb over. I’ll think Brisbane will be thereabouts, but no quite good enough to get in the eight.
“If they can minimise the blowout losses and keep the percentage to around 100, that’s how Brisbane can take a step forward.
“But if they can sneak a few wins early, you never know…”
When discussing potential 2014 Merrett-Murray Medallists, Matthew Leuenberger and Tom Rockliff were the two names that came to mind.
“(Leuenberger’s) had a good pre-season – and he hasn’t one for a couple of years,” Whiting said.
“He was terrific in 2013 and I think Trent West chopping out will help Leuey enormously. I think he might sneak home this year.”
Fay predicted Rockliff to replicate his feat from 2011.
“I think Rocky will play a predominant midfield role this year and will win a lot of the ball,” he said.
“I think he’s going to take another step forward as a player and take home his second Merrett-Murray Medal.”
Whiting and Fay’s independent opinions on all things Brisbane Lions have become increasingly popular with fans, with their Fancast one of the highest rated programs on LIONS TV in 2013.
And while the Club itself is delighted to have them back on board in 2014, we certainly hope that their latest ladder predictions prove to be underestimated by season’s end.
