The season so far
What started with a bang has quickly turned into a major struggle for the Lions. With a new coach and almost identical list to last season, not a lot was expected, and although they've lost nine matches straight, there's been flashes to suggest some improvement. Defeating Gold Coast, leading the Bulldogs by six goals at Etihad Stadium, and matching strides with Hawthorn in Launceston were all big ticks. Missing Allen Christensen for the year and Mitch Robinson long-term hasn't helped, but the return of Dayne Beams, form of Tom Rockliff and Dayne Zorko, and the improvement of youngsters Harris Andrews, Eric Hipwood, Jarrod Berry and Hugh McCluggage have all been exciting.
Quarters won: 11
Players used: 34
Yet to play: Allen Christensen, Jarrad Jansen, Josh Clayton, Sam Skinner, Alex Witherden, Jono Freeman, Jacob Allison, Corey Lyons, Cian Hanley, Matthew Eagles, Mitchell Hinge, Oscar McInerney, Reuben William, Blake Grewar.
Stats leaders
Disposals: Dayne Zorko (261)
Marks: Harris Andrews (59)
Goals: Dayne Zorko, Eric Hipwood (14)
Tackles: Dayne Zorko (70)
Metres gained: Dayne Zorko (avg: 564)
Clearances: Tom Rockliff (80)
Best win
Round one against Gold Coast. A brilliant start to the season with a scintillating seven-goal first quarter setting up the two-point win.
One that got away
Round two against Essendon. After trailing big at half-time, the Lions worked their way in front early in the final term and had all the momentum on their home turf, but faded late and cost themselves a 2-0 season start.
Best and fairest leader: Dayne Beams
Surprise packet: Nick Robertson
Who's struggling: Ryan Bastinac, Tom Bell, Jack Frost, Josh Schache
Dayne Beams' return to the AFL's elite has been a highlight for the Lions. Picture: AFL Photos
Missing in action
Allen Christensen: The clever half-forward has had all sorts of troubles with his collarbone and will miss the entire season. In the past 12 months he has broken it twice, and then after one NEAFL match in April, scans found a crack in the plate keeping it together. He quality ball use in the front half of the ground has been sorely missed.
The concern
The trend of opposition teams getting on big runs of goals is killing the Lions. In matches they've been competitive in, Essendon (eight in succession), the Bulldogs (seven), St Kilda (six) and Hawthorn (six) have all got away from Chris Fagan's men in short spaces of time.
Pass mark
This season was never about a certain number of wins constituting success, but the Lions would like a few victories on the run home to quench their thirst. They need to drag the opposition scoring down significantly from 122 points a game to show some improvement. Continued progression of their players 22 years and under would also be deemed a success.
The coach
Chris Fagan took on arguably the toughest job in the competition and although his first 10 weeks have been rough, his stamp is becoming more visible. The Lions are playing with a good spirit and rarely rolled over like they did at times last year, and their quicker, aggressive ball movement (although flawed with a lack of skills on occasions) is a clear eye to the future. Perhaps most importantly, Fagan has driven tough selection standards and not been afraid to drop experienced players in favour of those that have performed at NEAFL level.
How the best 22 has changed
The injuries to Mitch Robinson (foot) and Allen Christensen (shoulder) really hurt this line-up. Youngsters Schache and McCluggage were unavailable for round one, and despite Schache's recent omission, these two are in the best team. Paparone has surpassed Rohan Bewick for a wing spot, while Berry has been exceptional in his first year. Tom Bell is lucky to keep his spot, primarily because of the injuries to Robinson and Christensen.
B: Darcy Gardiner, Harris Andrews, Daniel Rich
HB: Sam Mayes, Dan McStay, Nick Robertson
C: Marco Paparone, Dayne Zorko, Ryan Lester
HF: Lewis Taylor, Josh Schache, Hugh McCluggage
F: Ben Keays, Eric Hipwood, Jake Barrett
Foll: Stefan Martin, Dayne Beams, Tom Rockliff
I/C: Jarrod Berry, Tom Cutler, Tom Bell, Rhys Mathieson
In from pre-season best 22: Marco Paparone, Josh Schache, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry, Rhys Mathieson
Out from pre-season best 22: Rohan Bewick, Michael Close, Mitch Robinson, Ryan Harwood, Ryan Bastinac
• Who did we tip for your club's best 22 in round one?
Lions fans: what's your mid-season verdict?
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Want more?
• State of Origin: Who'd play, who'd miss out?
• Andrew Mackie's hunt for a rare double ton
