Today, Matt Burgan has the Lions in his sights.
Club: Brisbane Lions
2006 Ranking: 8th
How's Nigel Lappin tracking?
Initially, the indicators were that Lappin was heading for another good season despite a modified pre-season. And he had history on his side, as he won a Merrett/Murray Medal in 2004 despite minimal preparation heading into that year. This year, after playing 40 minutes in the twos, Lappin stepped out for his first match with the Lions in the third week of the NAB Challenge, notching up 23 disposals against Port Adelaide. His season was looking as if it was back on track after an injury-marred 2005. Last year, he suffered hip and ankle problems, knee tendonitis and a broken leg just before the end of last season, but his resilience still allowed him to play 16 matches for the season. But last weekend against Collingwood at Carrara, in the final week of the NAB Challenge, Lappin's season took an unwelcome detour as he seriously injured his ankle - his superior tibia-fibula joint and his inferior tibia-fibula joint - resulting in a four to eight-week layoff and a delay to the start to his 2006 season.
Who is the best of Brisbane's younger brigade?
With nine premiership players from 2001-03 no longer at the club, the Lions' list has had a vast makeover in recent times. Sure, a core premiership group remains, but a new wave of players is set to take on greater roles in the coming seasons - including 2006. So who is the best of the younger brigade? It's hard to go past the oozing talents of Jared Brennan, who despite entering his fourth AFL season, is set to make his mark in 2006 after some injury-riddled seasons. His silky-skills, aerial leap and match-winning traits - combined with his ability to use the football like a basketball - have already given Lions fans plenty to look forward to. For pure talent, Brennan is the man. But don't write off other young cubs as cases can equally be made for Mitchell Clark, who has the ability to be one of the competition's elite within the next five years, Daniel Merrett, an 'X-factor' who could be anything, and Jed Adcock, whose composure and reliability is what football clubs are built around. Messrs Cameron Wood, Justin Sherman and Michael Rischitelli are also ones to watch very closely.
Who is the club's next captain?
Michael Voss is not only one of the finest players to ever grace the field - he is also one of the greatest captains of all time. Statistically, he enters 2006 having captained 157 matches - the 12th best in VFL/AFL history - and should rocket past such icons as Kevin Murray, Jack Dyer and Bob Skilton, barring any mishap this year. But with Voss turning 31 in 2006, reality suggests his career is closer to finishing than beginning. Therefore a new skipper must be groomed. This year, the club has a seven-man leadership group, supporting Voss - Jason Akermanis, Simon Black, Jonathan Brown, Chris Johnson, Nigel Lappin, Justin Leppitsch and Luke Power. At first, attempting to choose a skipper from this group looks daunting. But in reality, it's an easier task than first thought. Johnson, Lappin and Leppitsch virtually rule themselves out, as the trio will be 30 or 31 years old this year, while 'Aka' will be 30 in 2007. Which leaves us with three younger players - Black, Brown and Power - and from that group, one leader genuinely emerges - J.Brown. The big, burly country lad has the presence, the match-winning ability and the aura a leader needs and he is surely set to be the Lions' next captain. He turns 25 this year and even if he doesn't get the gong for another two or three years, he could still have the mantle for five years. Brown is the youngest of those players and the standout candidate, with Black and Power as fine deputies. As for a smoky? Jed Adcock could be one to keep an eye on.
Why we think the Lions will finish 8th?
The afl.com.au team believes the Lions will have a better season in 2006 and all the indicators suggest this will be the case. The Lions had a revamped playing squad in 2005 and it was not surprising to see them slip. This came about because of several retirements while the club blooded 11 new players and suffered a number of key injuries along the way. But the emergence of several youngsters last year - think Jed Adcock, Daniel Merrett, Justin Sherman, Anthony Corrie, Troy Selwood and the rise of mature promoted rookie Josh Drummond - will only help the Lions' cause in 2006. On top of that, an improved fitness base to several senior players will also be a big advantage this season. Add a sprinkling of new talent - Mitchell Clark, rookie Scott Harding and Wayde Mills are just a few - and the Lions have reason to be optimistic in 2006. Could they pinch another flag? It's difficult to see at this stage, but expect the Lions to be back in the September action again this year.
Our best 22:
B: Chris Johnson, Mal Michael, Daniel Bradshaw
HB: Josh Drummond, Justin Leppitsch, Jed Adcock
C: Tim Notting, Michael Voss, Nigel Lappin
HF: Jared Brennan, Jonathan Brown, Jason Akermanis
F: Ash McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Mitchell Clark
FOLL: Jamie Charman, Simon Black, Luke Power
I/C: Clark Keating, Justin Sherman, Michael Rischitelli, Scott Harding
EMG: Ben Fixter, Brad Scott, Robert Copeland
