Final ladder position: 10th
Leading goalkicker: Daniel Bradshaw (75 goals)
Leading possession getter: Luke Power (542 possessions)
Season in a nutshell: The Lions and their fans might well look back at 2008 and ask “where did it all go wrong?” The simple answer to that question lies with the round 14 loss to wooden spooners Melbourne. Prior to that shock result, the Lions were excellent, overcoming a tough schedule to win eight games and move within striking distance of the top four. But the defeat by the Demons triggered a run in which the Lions won only two of their last nine games, surrendered last-quarter leads against Richmond, North Melbourne and Carlton, and ultimately missed the finals for a fourth straight year.
Defining moment: The loss to Melbourne was the beginning of the end for the Lions’ finals aspirations, but the game that most reflected their downturn in fortunes came in round 18 against North Melbourne at Carrara. Three late goals saw the Roos snatch an improbable eight-point victory after an inaccurate Lions outfit had looked all but home. The feeling of disappointment and disbelief at the final siren was palpable – it was the third time in the space of five games the Lions had led in the last quarter but failed to get the four points.
What went right:
· The Lions hinted in 2007 that they had the ability to be a top-eight side. In 2008, they proved it, despite failing to reach the finals. The Lions beat five eventual finalists, won eight of 11 games at the Gabba, and were competitive against grand final combatants Hawthorn and Geelong.
· One of the big pluses from the year was the potency of Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw in the forward line. The 145 goals kicked by the dynamic duo eclipsed the previous club record for a pairing by some 21 majors. Brown’s decision to sign a new contract was cause for a collective sigh of relief from Lions fans around the country.
· Simon Black and Luke Power were outstanding, underrated Joel Patfull had a career-best year, Jared Brennan emerged as a potential topline midfielder, and Bradd Dalziell made one of the more accomplished starts to an AFL career in recent memory.
What went wrong:
· The Lions’ inability to close out games was well-publicised. Against Melbourne, Richmond, North Melbourne and Carlton, the Lions looked odds-on to emerge victorious but finished with nothing to show for it. More last-quarter composure is a must for 2009.
· While Brennan and Dalziell emerged, a string of other Lions for various reasons either went backwards or stalled in their development – notably Tim Notting, Jed Adcock, Justin Sherman, Matthew Leuenberger, Troy Selwood, Cheynee Stiller and Rhan Hooper.
· The injury gods were generally kind to the Lions, but the injuries that did occur were decisive. Hobbled by knee trouble, Jamie Charman pressed on for much of the second half of the season as the Lions’ sole ruck option – back-up Leuenberger was out with knee trouble of his own, while Beau McDonald retired unexpectedly before a ball was bounced. Nigel Lappin managed only four games because of an achilles ailment, and the Lions sorely missed running defender Josh Drummond (quad) in the last three games.
The coach: In 2008, Leigh Matthews found himself faced by questions he probably hadn’t been accustomed to in 10 years at the Gabba, both from the media and himself. The Lions’ slide in the second half of the year led to press criticism of Matthews’ coaching style – unthinkable only a few short years ago. Meanwhile, Matthews was busy asking himself when he should finish up as Lions coach. Eventually, the answer came back as “now”, and Matthews resigned following the season-ending round 22 loss to the Sydney Swans, bringing down the curtain on a brilliant tenure that netted three premierships. Interest will now focus on how his successor, club legend Michael Voss, fares.
Most Valuable Player: Honourable mention to Power and Brown, but Black’s brilliant performance in the Brownlow Medal foreshadowed what is likely to be a fourth Merrett-Murray Medal win. Consistently fighting a hard tag, Black still managed to average almost 26 possessions (more than 10 of them contested) and five clearances per game. Black is rarely fancy, but he's a true warrior.
Coach's award for one-percenters: At 190cm and 89kg, centre-half-back Patfull often gives up size to his opponents, but he never concedes them heart. In 2008, the former Port Adelaide rookie had his best season at AFL level. Patfull ranked third in the competition for one-percenters (teammate Daniel Merrett was first), disposed of the ball with an 83 per cent efficiency rate, and also provided plenty of drive from defence.
Needs a big pre-season: There was nothing wrong with Drummond’s form in 2008. Indeed, the long-kicking left-footer showed why he is such a vital cog in the Lions’ machine, averaging more than 17 possessions and two inside 50s while playing across half-back. But he played only 13 games due to injury – the latest in a long line of seasons abbreviated by a variety of ailments. Drummond’s body may never be up to the task of lasting a full season, but his pre-season is likely to be geared around ensuring he plays as many games as possible.
Next big thing: While Brennan has been touted as the next big thing at various stages of the last five years, this year he displayed something beyond the one-handed pick-ups, flashy sidesteps and spring heels. With a solid pre-season under his belt, the 24-year-old moved into the midfield, finishing with the third-most possessions at the club and producing match-turning performances against Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs. With continued development, Brennan could become a truly elite on-baller.
Trading places: Brown’s decision to re-sign scuppered most of the trade talk surrounding the Lions. However, it will be interesting to see what lies in the future for Notting, Hooper, Sherman, Selwood, Scott Harding and Matthew Moody. All could figure in discussions with other clubs.
Overall grade: C
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
