A turbulent season both on and off the field. After winning the NAB Cup, the Lions botched their premiership season with a poor first 10 weeks. They were thrashed on the road and struggled to win at home, but turned things around after the bye with a withering second half of the season. Michael Voss' late sacking was a surprise but the Lions still had a sneaky finals chance entering the last round. The 10-win tally was identical to 2012, but in many ways it was a season of 'what ifs'.
What worked
The Lions developed running defenders who gave their attack more potency from the back half. Mitch Golby provided a cool head and good ball use, while Elliot Yeo and Ryan Harwood provided the excitement with their speed and attacking mindset. With Pearce Hanley pushed up to the wing and rookie Sam Mayes on the other flank, the Lions now have a nice combination of pace and quality ball users they previously lacked.
What failed
For whatever reason, the Lions were often out of games before they were in them. They won just six first quarters for the year, with only the Western Bulldogs (five) winning fewer. The other big problem came with discipline. The Lions conceded the most free kicks in the competition (21.1 per game), won the free kick count only six times, and had Jonathan Brown, Daniel Merrett and Hanley among five players suspended during the season. The numbers don't lie – lack of discipline was costly.
Surprise packet
Justin Clarke. The 19-year-old started the season on the rookie list and ended it as a mainstay in the back six. Clarke got his chance with an early season injury to Matt Maguire, and grabbed it with both hands. Generally playing as the second key tall defender, the boy from country South Australia was tough, disciplined and reliable. His consistent form over 14 games allowed the Lions to shift Merrett forward when Maguire returned to the line-up. A shoulder injury cost him the final three matches, but Clarke looks like nailing down a key defensive post for many years.
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Disappointment
For the past three years the Lions have been crying out for a forward to stand alongside Brown. In Aaron Cornelius and Jordan Lisle, they have two likely prospects who have struggled to cement a spot. Cornelius is in his fifth season at the Gabba and looks to have all the talent in the world, but isn't living up to the coaching staff's expectations. Lisle is also in his fifth season in the league and also dominates at NEAFL level, but has struggled with the jump to the AFL. He played eight games, kicked 11 goals and has to deliver more next season.
MVP
Pearce Hanley
Best rookie/first year player
Sam Mayes
Best win
The huge comeback effort against Geelong in round 13.
Low point
Being thumped in round one by the Bulldogs took the Lions longer to overcome than they admitted at the time. They were fresh off the NAB Cup win and thought they would waltz right through the struggling Doggies. Wrong. The following six weeks was awful and the Lions never fully recovered. Ultimately the poor start cost Voss his job despite a late-season rally. His sacking threw the Lions into turmoil, with a boardroom split resulting from the ensuing attempts to lure another coach.
What needs to improve It's the same problem that has haunted the Lions for years – finding enough avenues to kick a winning score. They were ranked just 14th in points for, averaging 87 points per match. Brown (28), Dayne Zorko (26), Josh Green (24) and Brent Staker (21) all kicked more than 20 goals, but they struggled to find a reliable forward mix.
What they need
First and foremost the Lions need a coach. As with any club, this will help establish the list for next season, including the retention – or otherwise – of players who may be looking elsewhere. The Lions are still desperate for a marking forward to either replace or play alongside Brown so expect them to trade aggressively for either a player – possibly Stewart Crameri, Jesse White or Luke McGuane - or a higher draft pick.
Luke Darcy says
"I think it starts at board level. Time for Angus Johnson, the president, to exit. You need unity from board level down – it's got to start there."
