Can Brisbane make the Top 4 in 2008?

January 15, 2008 | Filed Under AFL News

As I continue to make my way through the 16 AFL Clubs and rate their chances for the 2008 season, today I turn my attention to the first interstate team the Brisbane Lions. They were only 2 games shy of making the eight in 2007 and I expect them to feature in the Finals in 2008 and who knows maybe even battle it out for a top 4 position.

ADDITIONS:

Exchange period – received: Travis Johnstone (Melbourne)
Rookie elevation: Anthony Corrie
NAB AFL Draft: Matt Austin (North Ballarat Rebels), Tom Collier (Tassie Mariners), Brad Dalziell (East Fremantle), Lachlan Henderson (Geelong Falcons), James Polkinghorne (Calder Cannons)
NAB AFL Rookie Draft: Pearce Hanley (County Mayo, Ireland)

DELETIONS:

Retired: Chris L. Johnson, Chris Scott, Michael Voss (veteran – outside list)
Exchange period – traded: Richard Hadley (Carlton), Cameron Wood (Collingwood)
Delisted: Marcus Allan, Ben Fixter, Pat Garner, Will Hamill (rookie)

2008 Brownlow Medallist – Jonathon Brown?

If Jonathon Brown decides to get a kick prior to Round 8 then look out Brownlow Medal. With Daniel Bradshaw returning and gun youngster Mitch Clarke lining up down forward the Lions have the makings of a very potent forward line. The Lions forward line was only 12th on the rankings for points scored per game and is an area that needs improvement. But when Bradshaw comes back and with Jonathon Brown demanding 2-3 opponents every week then Bradshaw may be left with the 2nd 3rd or 4th best backman and Leigh Matthews will be rubbing his hands together. The inclusion of Bradshaw is very important to the make up of the Lions forward line as he adds X Factor down there because he can play both small and tall is a hard match up. It also means that the likes of McGrath and Patfull will get less attention than they did in 2007.

Travis Johnstone adds more class to the midfield

The recruitment of Travis Johnstone will only bolster their already classy midfield. Add Johnstone with the likes of Simon Black, Luke Power, Nigel Lappin and Jed Adcock, the latter having a brilliant 2007 Season. Chenee Stiller is another youngster that looks ready to become a class midfielder of the competition, averaging over 20 touches in 2007. All that being said the Lions are developing a very ominous midfield group.

An area that Leigh Matthews will no doubt be working on is their possession totals. They were ranked 16th for the number of kicks per game and 13th for the number of disposals per game and is a major reason they went for Travis Johnstone during the trade period.

Defence is the best for of attack

The Lions defence is very strong, they were ranked 5th in the least opponent points scored per game in 2007 and if they can keep at that level then it will go along way to determining their stance in 2008. As they say a good defence is the best form of attack! They are a very good tackling team (ranked 2nd in 2007) and from this great tackling they seem to put opposition teams under a great deal of pressure when they have the pill.

The Ruck is an area that the Lions need to improve in, they 70 less hit outs than their opponents last year and with the class in the midfield if they can at worst break even then they will be hard to stop. Matthew Luenberger looks like he is going to be a quality player and watch him improve out of sight and get some more game time, he has huge wraps on him this kid and will have gained much needed experience last year. He will play as a backup to Jamie Charman you would think in the Ruck and should provide the Lions with some quality work in the air.

Justin Sherman will be like another draftee in 2008, he had a horrid 2007 with the Cellulitis illness and watch out for him to have a blinder in 2008. If you can remember his in 2006 his and dashing runs down the wing and forward flanks and long kicks into the forward 50 and more importantly goals then that is what the Lions fans and coaching staff for that matter will be hoping Sherman can re capture in 2008.

Overall I think the Lions will play a major part in shaping the eight in 2008 and although I have them in the lower half of the eight, don’t be surprised if they find themselves in the Top 4 come September.

Ladder Position: 6th or 7th