SNAPSHOT
Coach: Michael Voss
Captain: Jonathan Brown
Finished 2009: sixth (14 wins, nine losses, one draw)
Best and fairest: Jonathan Brown
Leading goalkicker: Jonathan Brown (85 goals)
Leading possession winner: Luke Power (615)
NEW PERSONNEL
On-field: Amon Buchanan (traded from Sydney Swans), Xavier Clarke (traded from St Kilda), Brendan Fevola (traded from Carlton), Andrew Raines (traded from Richmond), Brent Staker (traded from West Coast), Callum Bartlett, Ryan Harwood, Jesse O'Brien, Bryce Retzlaff, Matt Maguire (NAB AFL Draft), Mitch Golby, Josh Dyson, Niall McKeever, Sean Yoshiura, Claye Beams, Broc McCauley (NAB AFL Rookie Draft)
Off-field: Jade Rawlings (assistant coach), Craig McRae (head of development), Manny Lynch (leadership and development coach)
BEST 22
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, James Hawksley
HB: Josh Drummond, Joel Patfull, Jed Adcock
C: Travis Johnstone, Daniel Rich, Jared Brennan
HF: Justin Sherman, Jonathan Brown, Michael Rischitelli
F: James Polkinghorne, Brendan Fevola, Amon Buchanan
Foll: Mitch Clark, Simon Black, Luke Power
I/C: Matthew Leuenberger, Jack Redden, Brent Staker, Sam Sheldon
MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER
Jonathan Brown remains the man upon which this Brisbane team's fortunes hinge. While Brendan Fevola's ability to settle into his new environment will be paramount, there is a proven correlation between Brown's ability to stay on the park and his side's success.
UP AND COMER
Jack Redden is entering just his second year in AFL football but in 10 games last season showed the poise of a player in the making. The goalkicking midfielder has added bulk to his frame and, with more game time in 2010, looks likely to make an even bigger impression.
NEEDS A BIG YEAR
The unpredictable but freakishly-talented Jared Brennan can play anywhere at a pinch, making him one of Michael Voss' most valuable assets. If he can string together a consistent season, he could plug whatever hole his coach was unable to fill during last year's trade and draft periods.
CHANGING TACK
With the Lions possessing two of the game's most lethal forwards, Michael Voss should instruct his men to get the ball into attack as quickly as possible. The more times Brown and Fevola see the footy, the more likely the Lions are to kick a winning score.
Voss will continue to want his team to play with a hard edge, but as a result of the extra firepower there might be a more free-flowing style in 2010. It will also be a new-look Lions outfit. The heavy trading period saw an influx of new talent and, if they can all get their bodies right, Andrew Raines, Matt Maguire, Brent Staker and Xavier Clarke will not only add experience but great depth to the list.
INJURY LIST
Luke Power (groin) - 2-3 weeks
Xavier Clarke (knee) - indefinite
Callum Bartlett (knee) - indefinite
WHAT THE CLUB SAYS
"At this point, almost every team feels as though they've had a good pre-season. On personal reflection there isn't much we would do differently. The level of information absorption and the changes that have happened over the pre-season period have been significant.
"But there is just so much that needs to go right for a team to ultimately succeed. However, if preparation is enough to get us the distance then we have certainly given ourselves every chance to succeed." - senior coach Michael Voss
CRYSTAL BALL
Michael Voss should be admired for going all-out in 2010. Believing the Lions are on the cusp of a premiership, he's bucked the trend of the in-vogue rebuild by trading heavily early in his coaching career. In 2010 the Lions have 11 matches at the Gabba and, with a strong list and good crop of youngsters, will look to sneak into the top four. That doesn't look out of the question, although much will rely on how the Lions new recruits - particularly Brendan Fevola - settle in. Just how effective the intimidating Fevola-Jonathan Brown double-act works will crucial to any success Voss' team may have this season.
SEASON OPENER
March 27 v West Coast at the Gabba.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
