Lions nice Simon Black says something in need of a grand closing berth would quantity to a “disappointing” 2023 season for a star-studded Brisbane line-up.
The Lions have been spectacular of their 46-point apply match win over reigning AFL premiers Geelong at Springfield on Thursday evening.
It delivered to an finish a profitable pre-season marketing campaign that additionally included a 45-point victory over final season’s overwhelmed grand finalists Sydney.
Three-time premiership winner and 2002 Brownlow medallist Black has been significantly impressed with Brisbane’s midfield and its depth.
Not for the reason that halcyon days of the “Fab Four” – Black, Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and Nigel Lappin – plus a supporting solid that included Luke Power and Shaun Hart amongst others, have the Lions had such a well-rounded midfield.
This yr’s addition of Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft to a midfield that already consists of famous person Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry and Dayne Zorko has Black enthusiastic about Brisbane’s prospects this yr.
“The Lions midfield hasn’t been like that for 20 years,” Black stated.
“There is so much depth. You look at someone like Jarryd Lyons, who was at one stage at automatic selection and is now going to find it tough to get a run in Brisbane’s top 22.”
Black stated the Lions’ low season additions, together with former Bulldogs star Dunkley father-son decide Ashcroft and ex-Hawthorn ahead Jack Gunston, had raised expectations about Brisbane’s hopes of breaking its 20-year premiership drought.
“Anything less than a grand final appearance this year would be disappointing for the Lions,” Black stated.
“It’s their next step. They’ve been in and around that top four for a few years now, played in a couple of preliminary finals, so they’ve got the experience.
“They’ve got the talent to win the flag in the next couple of years.”
Black’s triple premiership-winning teammate Alastair Lynch anticipated the Lions – who open their season on March 18 in opposition to Port Adelaide – to make it to a minimum of the “last couple of weeks” of the finals this yr.
“They were very good (against Geelong) and they showed they could adjust after being beaten at the centre clearances early in the match,” Lynch stated.
“Dunkley was the best player on the field, and there is much more depth in the midfield with Zorko to come back (from a hamstring injury) as well.”
Former full-forward Lynch was additionally appreciative of the “experience and class” Gunston delivered to Brisbane’s present ahead line.
“Jack will be a great help to the rest of the forwards,” Lynch stated.
Meanwhile, Lions pair Eric Hipwood (hip) and Jack Payne (hamstring) have been cleared of significant damage after failing to finish Thursday evening’s match.
Source: www.news.com.au
