Lions' Cubs Ready to Roar

The Brisbane Lions maybe winless after five rounds, but the signs suggest the future is not all doom and gloom.

The Lions much publicised recruiting spree of 2009 resulted in several players leaving the club futilely, those included: Daniel Bradshaw, Michael Rischitelli, Jarred Brennan, Lachie Henderson and Justin Sherman. In exchange the Lions received Brendan Fevola, Xavier Clarke, Matt Maguire, Brent Staker, Amon Buchanan and Andrew Raines. All these players failed to make an impression on the field due to injury, indiscretion and poor performance, the exception being Brent Staker who finished top five in the best and fairest. Many criticised coach Michael Voss and the Lions for their bold recruiting spree, risking the future of the club for immediate success which obviously did not eventuate.

Beneath the wreckage of the 2009 recruiting spree was the class of ’08 as they are known internally within the Lions. Daniel Rich, Jack Redden, Todd Banfield and Tom Rockliff were all drafted by the Lions in the 2008 draft. All four received rising star nominations over the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Rich winning the award in ‘09 and Rockliff placing third in ’10. Combined with tall first round picks Mitch Clark and Matthew Leunberger the nucleus of their next premiership assault was formed. The weekend’s loss to the Saints showcased the next generation of Lions’ potential.

The Lions midfield, led by Redden, Rockliff and Rich amassed 45 clearances and 163 contested possessions. As well as a staggering 87 tackles, outdoing the Saints in these three categories. Individually, the ’08 class plus Clark and Leunberger all made sizeable contributions. Redden, arguably best on ground with 27 touches, two goals, and a massive 12 tackles was exceptional and truly announced himself as a player of the future. Midfield partner Rockliff was not to be outdone by his best mate, collecting 29 touches, seven inside 50’s and a goal. Banfield and Rich had below par games for their standards but were both influential. Rich along with Redden and Rockliff was clinical around the stoppages with 19 touches and six clearances, second only too young ruckmen Broc Mcaule. Banfield only managed eight touches, but his forward pressure and nine tackles were sensational and resulted in numerous St. Kilda turnovers. The big men in Clark and Leunberger both played predominately forward with impressive results. Clark kicked four goals and was the Lions main target inside 50, whilst Leunberger had his chances and was very lively up forward with four behinds. Leunberger’s athleticism was impressive, equally dangerous on the ground as in the air, a skill very rarely possessed by big ruckmen.

With continued development to these players and all-round contributions from the rest of the squad the Lions future looks promising. The framework is in place for Voss’ Lions to mount a finals worthy assault in the years to come.