What worked
- The off-season acquisitions performed superbly. Dayne Beams should win the best and fairest, Mitch Robinson earned respect on and off the field, and after a slow start, Allen Christensen settled in nicely.
- Aside from reliable veteran Daniel Merrett, the Lions now look like they have a backline for the next decade. Justin Clarke, Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner and Daniel McStay can raffle the key posts, while Liam Dawson, Tom Cutler and Claye Beams are nice hybrid players that use the ball well off half-back.
- What has amounted to almost a total rebuild in the past two years continued with the unveiling of five debutants, including a spectacular first season from Academy product Harris Andrews.
What failed
- Contested ball has been a disaster. The Lions lost the count in their first 12 matches and have won it just twice all season.
- The injury toll would have been comical if it wasn't so serious. Not many soft tissues problems, but up to 18 players unavailable at times – something has to change.
- You can't win if you don't score, and the Lions finished last in this department. They went inside 50 the second least of all teams, which makes it difficult for the young forwards.
What we said in the pre-season
The Lions would have a good year if they tightened their defence and the Martin-Leuenberger ruck combination flourished. We predicted they'd finish 12th. Oops.
Overall rating
2/10. The bottom line is they've won three games, but the injury toll has to be taken into account. At times they battled hard, but rarely looked like seriously troubling the good teams and were a long way off the pace.
The fans' rating
The coach
After a relatively free hit in his first season, it was a much more difficult second year for Justin Leppitsch. He looked more stressed as the season wore on – but who wouldn't with just three wins? He is out of contract next year and will face enormous pressure if there isn't early improvement.
MVP
Dayne Beams. There could be only one winner here. Beams carried the Lions during his 16 matches before season-ending shoulder surgery. He averaged 28 disposals (13 contested) and 6.5 clearances despite playing in a midfield often missing some of its best players through injury.
Surprise packet
Mitch Robinson. Given a second chance after being dumped by the Blues, Robinson has repaid the Lions in spades – and not just for his terrific play on-field. The 26-year-old played half-forward and midfield and led the way with his fearless attack, but it was his maturity off-field that turned just as many heads.
Get excited
Harris Andrews. Twelve months ago he was barely on the Lions' radar, but Andrews' development has been stunning. Still just 18, the 200cm defender has fitted into senior footy like an old pro. He is composed beyond his years, reads the play well and arguably has the safest hands at the club.
Young defender Harris Andrews was a revelation for the Lions this year. Picture: AFL Media
Disappointment
James Aish. Is on his way out of the club and played like it when given the chance. After an excellent first season, the talented South Australian let himself down in year two, averaging 14 disposals in his 11 games. Injury derailed him, but poor form was a bigger worry.
Best win: The 37-point win over Port Adelaide, round seven, the Gabba
This made it back-to-back wins and things were looking up. Beams had 32 disposals and Josh Green kicked three goals as the Lions out-ran the Power, which was 3-3 at the time and still looking a premiership threat.
Low point: The loss against Melbourne in round 16 was as bad as it gets. In a season riddled with poor showings and injury, this took the cake, as the Lions fumbled and bumbled their way to a 24-point loss. Confidence was at rock bottom.
The big questions
-Can they keep everyone happy?
Two years ago there was the Go Home Five, and now another first-round draft pick, James Aish, wants out. The Lions have a number of youngsters – Lewy Taylor, Sam Mayes and Gardiner among them – out of contract in 2016, while Jack Redden and Daniel Rich become free agents. The environment needs to continue improving.
-Will Justin Leppitsch coach beyond 2016?
The Lions want him there for the long haul, but with just 10 wins in two seasons, Leppitsch will need to show some improvement to extend his tenure.
-Can they employ a functioning forward line?
Whether it's through the trade period or draft, the Lions clearly need help in the forward 50.
Season in a song
It’s a Long Way to the Top, AC/DC
Who's done?
Retirements: Matt Maguire has already finished up after being unable to overcome concussion he suffered in the NEAFL. It would not surprise to see luckless Brent Staker finish up either after another disjointed season.
Delistings: Reading between the lines, there will be some nervous players at season's end, despite the retirements and expected trades. Jackson Paine and Mitch Golby are in danger of the chop after failing to grab their chances, while Luke McGuane is treading a fine line with his unreliable body and form.
Trades/free agents: Aish is on his way out, while the club is also happy for free agent ruckman Matthew Leuenberger to look elsewhere. Former skipper Jed Adcock – also a free agent – has already been told he is no longer required.
What they need
When you're on the bottom, you can do with good players on every line, but the Lions are most desperate for key forwards. If fit, their midfield is sound, but another good ball user or two in the back half is also required to help polish their transition from defence to attack.
What's the time?
Realistically, the Lions would hope to be back in premiership calculations in four years' time. This would allow the key position players time to develop, and would also mean their impressive midfield was still on the list.
Early call: 12th-15th
With a good run of health, they should move up in 2016, but not by much. It's hard to see them progressing much beyond the 12th-15th bracket. It's also the third year under Leppitsch, so his game-plan should be well and truly embedded.
