Ominous Signs for AFL Defenders
Well the Big Fella Jonathan Brown is in great shape and ready to tear up the opposition backmen. Brown is generally behind eveyone else by this time during pre season but this year is much different. He has come off a full year in 2007 and has had an uninterupted pre season to date. Brown is one of my favourite players to watch, there is nothing better than seeing this guy run flat out into packs take the mark and get up looking like it was nothing out of the ordinary which is something to behold (there is a short video highlight at the end of this post).
Brown was all set to play in the Lions intra club game th other night but the game had to be called off due to a waterlogged ground at Coorparoo. Brown declared himself raring to go saying“I am physically feeling really good, no hiccups. I will go into 2008 in better shape than I have in years,” which all AFL defenders will be cringing at. Read more
Can Brisbane make the Top 4 in 2008?
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.
