List summary: 

The Lions have two clear key list groupings. One is the strong senior core of 27+ players in Zorko, Beams, Robinson, Martin, Christensen, Rich and Hodge. This group is not large in number group but they provide consistency of performance and leadership. Zorko and Beams particularly are both stars of the competition.

Then there is the young brigade of McCluggage, Berry, Cameron, Hipwood, Andrews, McStay, Rayner, Witherden and Mathieson. Some of these are already regular high quality performers (Cameron and Andrews), some just reliable players (Mathieson and McStay) and some have serious potential star quality (Rayner and McCluggage).

What’s missing for the Lions isn’t really in one particular part of the ground but more of a demographic. In between the ages of 23 and 28, where most players are in their prime, there are very few players that are part of Brisbane’s best team.

Whether they look to cover this in trades, DFAs or mature age players from the state leagues will be seen, but trust coach Chris Fagan has identified this. The recruiting team will make adjustments to see the Lions don’t again fall off a cliff when the oldies are gone and the youth aren’t ready to lead the club by themselves.

List changes:

The Lions continue to turn their list over with six delistings including Jake Barrett, Claye Beams, Tom Bell, Rohan Bewick, Liam Dawson and Marco Paparone. Earlier in the year Irishman Cian Hanley gave up the game to return home.

Draft picks:

The Lions currently have national draft picks 4, 22, 40, 58, 76 and 94. Their first two picks are most likely to be used on Fremantle’s Lachie Neale.

Draft target:

If Lions do keep their first pick they will most likely want to keep adding depth to their midfield. Bailey Smith would be the first name they’d have on their mind. Last year Smith was playing across half-back but he has progressed to the midfield in 2018. He is a contested ball-winner with acceleration and a precise kick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3Bd59RBa-M

Trade target:

Neale is obviously the big one. He has already met with Fagan and Gerard Whately has reported the trade will happen for the Lions’ first pick. The other target is oft injured Geelong forward, Lincoln McCarthy, who has requested a trade to Brisbane.

Best case scenario:

Best case scenario is that the Neale deal is done quickly and for just pick 4. Then they can either take 22 to the draft, package it up with a player to move back into the first round or use it to target another senior player.