In a nutshell
Not much short of a disaster. Had a horror early season draw, lost 12 games straight at one stage, dealt with a long list of injuries and were largely uncompetitive in front of dwindling home crowds. Ouch.

What we said in the pre-season 
The Lions weren't expected to do much in 2016, with most pundits – including this one - predicting they'd finish in the bottom three. We asked whether a fit Pearce Hanley might elevate his game to All Australian level, which the talented Irishman answered with an emphatic 'no'.

What worked
Justin Leppitsch took the youth path and was rewarded with some exciting performances. Josh Schache and Eric Hipwood could form a formidable forward pairing for years to come, while Rhys Mathieson and Ben Keays showed plenty of midfield grunt. Retaining the bulk of its players with contract extensions was also a big tick. 

What failed
Whether it was structure or attitude – or both - leaking almost 130 points a game isn't going to get you far. It's too simplistic to blame the defenders, with poor turnovers and questionable defensive running often leaving the back six out to dry. More consistent contributions from the small over-25 contingent wouldn't have gone astray either. 

Overall rating
D. Not much was expected, but even less was delivered.

The coach
Justin Leppitsch had his contract extended prior to round one, but the questions on his future came thick and fast from early in the season. Seemed to address some player management issues from the previous year and defended his team's poor record with its youth and inexperience, but only time will tell if he survives for 2017. 

The leaders 
Dayne Zorko aside, the Lions got little from their leadership group. Skipper Tom Rockliff, who battled injury, improved as the season progressed, but stalled his contract talks and has to take some responsibility for the club's poor season. Dayne Beams (knee) barely played, while Hanley and Daniel Rich would be disappointed with their output. Improving the club's next wave of leaders is crucial.

MVP
Dayne Zorko: Head and shoulders the best player. Had the odd down week, but the 27-year-old's form barely wavered. Hunted the ball, kicked goals and was often the spark for his team's best stretches.

Dayne Zorko was one Lion who stood up while veteran Daniel Merrett's career is over. Picture: AFL Photos

Surprise packet
Archie Smith: In his third season at the club, the basketball convert grabbed his chance with both hands. The athletic ruckman made his debut against Port Adelaide in round 19 and showed he is well and truly good enough at the top level. Will be rewarded with a contract extension and senior list spot.

Get excited
Eric Hipwood: The 18-year-old did far more than anyone could have expected in his first season. His aerial work was exceptional, he competes well on the ground and when the Academy product fills out his lean frame, he will be a nightmare for opposition defenders. 

Disappointment
Pearce Hanley: For someone with so much ability, really let himself down. Seemed to lose his exquisite kicking skills and looked disinterested at times.

Best win
Round four: Brisbane Lions 14.23 (107) def Gold Coast 14.10 (94) at the Gabba. The Suns were unbeaten and the Lions without a win, making this QClash victory easily the season's best. Stefan Martin was ko'd by Steven May and his teammates responded by delivering a win. 

Low point
The round eight loss to Collingwood – where they trailed at one point 61-0 - was horrific, but copping an 83-point flogging from strugglers Fremantle in round 12 was indefensible.

Jaden McGrath shares a joke with Justin Leppitsch. Picture: AFL Photos

The big questions
Can Justin Leppitsch survive?
Will the club secure a new training and administration base?
How quickly can they start climbing?

Season in a song
Déjà vu – Something for Kate

What we say: Australia's next Olympic gold will be here sooner

Who's done?
Retirements: Justin Clarke, Daniel Merrett, Trent West
Delistings: TBC 
Unsigned free agents: Nil

How should they approach trade and draft period?
They desperately need a mature key defender, but there's not many on the trade market. From the draft, some class, or pace, in the midfield is badly needed.

Early call for 2017
Small steps for the Lions next year. Eight wins would be a dream, but above all, a consistent, competitive effort.