In a nutshell

The number of wins is low, but the level of optimism is high after a season of huge improvement. The Lions won more games, conceded less points and showed an attacking flair and resilience that was previously missing. They can walk away with their heads high.

Have your say: Give your season verdict on the Lions using the form at the bottom of this article.

What we said in the pre-season  

We expected them to finish near the bottom, win four or five games and bump the percentage up to somewhere near 80 – all ticks. We predicted young bookends Harris Andrews and Eric Hipwood to flourish, and pondered the impact of the senior players, who can all say they did an outstanding job. 

What worked 

Put simply, the Gabba is a happy place again. Chris Fagan instilled confidence in his players and the result was an exciting brand of footy that improved as the season wore on. The production of first-year players was terrific, as was the improvement of the likes of Lewy Taylor, Dan McStay, Sam Mayes and Nick Robertson. Re-signing all the Lion cubs – particularly Josh Schache, which seemed to lift the club's spirits – was a massive win. 

What failed

Although improving by almost three goals a game, the Lions still had easily the leakiest defence in the competition. This wasn't just a back-six problem though, with forward pressure a glaring issue at times. This improved in the second half of the season and should continue to do in 2018.

Overall rating: B

They finished where most expected, but the development individually and collectively exceeded expectations.

The coach

Huge tick for Chris Fagan's first year – he has the players believing in him and wanting to play for him. Collectively, they worked harder defensively, and Fagan's encouragement to play on instinct was rewarded with drastic improvement from many players. He has two years to run on his contract, but if the Lions think he's the man, should extend his deal early next season.

The leaders 

After being given the captaincy for the first time, Dayne Beams could not have been more impressive. As a player, he was back to his sublime best, and his calm assuredness rubbed off on teammates. Vice-captain Tom Rockliff put his head down and bum up to earn back the trust he'd lost the previous year, while Dayne Zorko, Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester and Stefan Martin all maximised their influence with terrific seasons. 

MVP

Dayne Zorko: The little magician just kept racking up disposals, laying tackles and kicking goals and should make it a hat-trick of best and fairests. Skipper Beams will be right on his heels though.

Surprise packet

Nick Robertson: Perhaps the man to flourish most under Fagan, Robertson found a home at half-back. His ball use is improved, although still iffy, but the rugged West Australian is disciplined, plays his role and is a man his teammates loving having on the field.

Get excited

Eric Hipwood: The rangy teenager has drawn comparisons to Lance Franklin with his agility and long-range goalkicking. Still drops marks he should take, but that will improve with age, and 30-plus goals up against mature defenders every week is a second season 'Hippy' can be proud of. 

Disappointment

Tom Bell: Was brought to the club to help its young midfield, but first form and then injury made this a year to forget. The 26-year-old is built like a brute and is a powerful runner, but struggled to find the ball and looked lost at times. 

Best win

Round 15: Brisbane Lions 13.12 (90) def Essendon 11.16 (82) at Etihad Stadium
Trailing by 27 points early in the final term, this looked like another loss on the way, but the Lions kicked six of the final seven goals to snatch an unlikely victory in Melbourne.

Low point

It could still be to come. Remarkably, finishing last and having first dibs on the number one pick could be the worst thing to happen to the Lions all year. Usually, finishing 18th, there's a list of failures to sift through, but that's not the case for Fagan's new breed. They want to avoid the spoon and would much rather win on Saturday and slip to number two, three or four in the draft to enter the off-season on a high. 

The big questions

Will Tom Rockliff stay?
The vice-captain is a free agent and has drawn interest from both South Australian clubs, but the Lions are keen to keep him. 

Can they lure some more mature talent?
Another quality player or two in their early-mid 20s would complement the club's young talent nicely. Crow Charlie Cameron's name has already been mooted.

Can Chris Fagan continue the improvement?
The Lions won six of their final 12 games in Justin Leppitsch's first year in charge before free-falling for two years. This looks far more sustainable though.

 

Season in a song

Let's Stick Together – Bryan Ferry 

Premiership window

Shut: Keep patient – the wheel has turned. 

Who's done?

Retirements: TBC 
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Tom Rockliff

How should they approach trade and draft period?

They need to continue to stockpile young talent, particularly in the midfield. A pressuring small forward should also be high on the target list.

Early call for 2018

More of the same from this year – continual improvement. They still have a lot of physical maturing to do, but winning eight or nine games next season is not beyond the Lions.

Lions fans: what's your season verdict?

Share your views via the form below and we'll publish the best responses on Saturday, September 2. 

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