2016 Brisbane Lions starting line up

[lionshine]

Lists are forever changing but I think in simplistic terms we are now moving out of rebuild mode and into development mode. We have a good number of talented young players now who we can reasonably expect to keep. We have relatively few players coming to the end of their careers.

This year I think we used trading to fill holes and the draft to add top end quality. For the next two years I would think we are going to trade for one or two real talents while moving on one or two who are being overtaken by others. Then we will draft best available and round out the list with the best of the academy kids.

I think we have added most of the ingredients, now we need to simmer for a while and add a little of this and a little of that where needed. But the hard rebuilding work is mostly done. We just have to accept that the young players need time to develop.

We have actually done a reasonably good job of rebuilding in two years even though it involved some tough (Adcock, Crisp), disappointing but understandable (Patfull, Redden , Leunberger) and annoying (Aish) trading.

I think the trading-in we have done has been thoughtful and positive. Beams, Robbo and Bundy last year and while some will disagree, we haven't really taken anyone's cast-offs this year. Bell, Bastinac and Walker are all very serviceable players, the last two not getting opportunity in their teams because of the mix of talent in their clubs. Jansen is a little more speculative but not a crazy gamble either.

Our drafting, Aish excluded, has been fantastic the last few years. Not all will make it, such is the nature of drafting, but plenty will, and some show the early signs of being top quality.

Injuries notwithstanding, I am expecting us to be much more competitive in 2016. Some players will only show signs of their eventual impact but that will be enough for us to know that the development is well underway.

One of the things I really like about our list now is that there is enough genuine young talent that at least two or three are going to make the transition to be top 100 players in the comp. Given that I would argue Hanley, Rockliff, Beams and Martin are already there, another couple over the next few years places us well to be a threat in this comp.

But whether we like it or not, patience with our younger players is now the key.

Great post AFLQLD I think most Lions fans have struggled to see the finish line in terms of the rebuild for a long time now. Not to be mixed with the direction of the club mind you. I believe we have all seen the direction the club has been going in since Leppa and Co. took over but we haven't been able to see the finish line of the rebuild until now imo. Like you said, looking at our list we actually have a decent amount of talent. Unfortunately that talent is very young, however, what this club needs after a long period of constant change in the coaching staff and playing list is stability. If we can keep this group together and just let them develop and grow as a group over the next 2-3 years I believe we are on the track to finals football and hopefully beyond (Another flag would be nice). It would be handy if we could snag another high quality free agent at the end of 2016 as well. A Cale Hooker or Steele Sidebottom would be nice just to add to the quantity of top 100 league wide players on our list.

Finals in 2016 is imo a longshot (That won't stop me from praying for a Port/Bulldogs like turnaround though!) but I truly believe we will see vast improvement over 2015 and I think 2016 will be a fun year with lots of exciting highlights from young players like McStay. I think a season similar to 2012/2013 is not beyond the realms of possibility. A year in which we beat the teams we are expected to beat with a few upsets sprinkled in and a season in which we are competitive in most games but still cop a few beltings. Players like Mayes, Clarke, Paparone, McStay, Taylor, Robertson, Cutler, Gardiner ect. are starting to enter their 3rd and 4th years, the years in which the Go Home 5 started to play consistent, quality footy (Unfortunately at other clubs). In addition to this we have a gun midfield ready to go and have added role players like Walker, Bell and Bastinac who will improve the sides ability to at the very least be competitive.

Exciting times ahead, we just need to be patient and enjoy the glimpses of greatness we will see over the next 2-3 years

 

[scott_the_man]

Interesting stat - post draft/trade period we are officially the youngest team in the competition. Even younger than GC/GWS.
The next couple of seasons are going to be very interesting for us

 

[scott_the_man]

B: C.Beams Merett Clarke
HB: Rich Andrews Cutler
C: Hanley D.Beams Christensen
HF: Taylor Walker Zorko
FF: Green Freeman Schache
R: Martin Rockliff Bastinac
I/C: Robinson Mcstay Robertson Bell


Depth
Backs: Dawson*, Gardiner, Beasley, Hipwood*, Skinner, William, Watts, Mcguiness, Harwood, Clayton*, Mcgrath*, Paparone*

Mids: Lester*, Keays, Mathieson, Jansen

Forwards: Close, Hamelmann, Mayes*, Bewick*, Paine

Rucks: West, Smith

*utilities

Bloody hell we've got a stockpile of defenders

 

[pOleK]

Going on what fans have said on the lions webpage about what the best 22, plenty of people are finding it hard to put their favourite players in. This is good for the club which should mean players improving dramatically in both reserves and seniors fighting for a spot in the 22, hence we should see an improvement next year. Next years gonna be good (hopefully)

 

[Doc Hattori]

Merrett Clarke McGrath
Hanley Clarke Paparone
Bastinac Beams(D) Bell
Christensen Close Zorko
Green Freeman Walker

R: Martin Robinson Rockliff

I: Gardiner Rich Taylor Mayes

 

[pOleK]

Merrett Clarke McGrath
Hanley Clarke Paparone
Bastinac Beams(D) Bell
Christensen Close Zorko
Green Freeman Walker

R: Martin Robinson Rockliff

I: Gardiner Rich Taylor Mayes

Any reason you have Clarke twice?

 

[POBT]

Any reason you have Clarke twice?

Xavier and Mitch.

 

[DashinD]

Andrews Merrett Harwood
C Beams Clarke Gardiner

Rich D Beams Hanley

Christensen Walker Zorko
Green Freeman McStay

Martin Rockliff Robinson

Interchange: Taylor Paperone Bell Bastinac

Knocking on the door:
Mayes Dawson Cutler Close Robertson West

Back line is hard! Gone for more experience/mature bodies in Harwood and C Beams, but can see Cutler and Dawson cementing spots in the next few years. Like having a couple of real natural defenders in Dizzy and Harwood back there, although it just leaves Claye as the real good ball user. Can see Dawson squeezing Claye out if he doesn't find good form.

Giving preference to old lions over Bell and Bastinac in the starting team, just cos! I'm a sentimental bugger.

Would love to have fit Cutler in. The only one I can see him squeezing out in this 22 is Papa but I reckon if he can keep his spot and play 20 games this year he will take the next step and be just huge for us. Also want to see Close get a run this year.

 

[pOleK]

Andrews Merrett Harwood
C Beams Clarke Gardiner

Rich D Beams Hanley

Christensen Walker Zorko
Green Freeman McStay

Martin Rockliff Robinson

Interchange: Taylor Paperone Bell Bastinac

Knocking on the door:
Mayes Dawson Cutler Close Robertson

Back line is hard! Gone for more experience/mature bodies in Harwood and C Beams, but can see Cutler and Dawson cementing spots in the next few years. Like having a couple of real natural defenders in Dizzy and Harwood back there, although it just leaves Claye as the real good ball user. Can see Dawson squeezing Claye out if he doesn't find good form.

Giving preference to old lions over Bell and Bastinac in the starting team, just cos! I'm a sentimental bugger.

Would love to have fit Cutler in. The only one I can see him squeezing out in this 22 is Papa but I reckon if he can keep his spot and play 20 games this year he will take the next step and be just huge for us. Also want to see Close get a run this year.

Loving the look of that spine. Back line is strong, midfield is strong. The forward line is anyone's guess, but having Close and Schache as possible ready made replacements allows for tinkering if something doesn't work. Leppa's leading us in the right direction, even harder to field a best 22 on paper now. BRILLIANT.

 

[DashinD]

Loving the look of that spine. Back line is strong, midfield is strong. The forward line is anyone's guess, but having Close and Schache as possible ready made replacements allows for tinkering if something doesn't work. Leppa's leading us in the right direction, even harder to field a best 22 on paper now. BRILLIANT.

Agree on the forward line. Walker is a bit unknown for me, haven't seen much of him tbh. Looks big and strong though, also from his highlights is aggressive in defense, something we've lacked on the forward line. McStay is going to need to play well early this season or he could find himself on the outer, I reckon Leppa will be keen to run Schache, he could do some damage as third tall!

 

[Big Sauce 21]

Another go

Andrews - Merrett - Cutler
Paparone - Clarke - Hanley
Zorko - Beams - Christensen
Robinson - Walker - Bell
Green - Freeman - McStay
Martin - Rockliff - Bastinac

Taylor - Robertson - Rich - Dawson

Emg - Lester - Mayes - C.Beams

 

[SizeMatters]

I'm starting to think Jansen could be a starting 22 come round 1. From reports he has been training the house down.

 

[pOleK]

I'm starting to think Jansen could be a starting 22 come round 1. From reports he has been training the house down.

So hard to choose who will be starting first in round 1, except for those 10-14 who have guaranteed there spots unless they are injured, Leppa will have to think long and hard with the likes of Harwood, C Beams and few others fighting to get their spots back in the 22.

 

[rusty08]

My round 1 team barring injury

Andrews Merrett Gardiner
Paps Clarke Cutler
Hanley Rockliff Rich
Christensen Walker Zorko
Green Freeman McStay

Martin Beams Robinson

Int. Taylor Bell Mayes Bastinac

Em. Dawson Robertson C Beams Jansen
(Possibles) Keays Mathieson

Gee, injury free(highly unlikely) we have some really good depth. I thought it was hard picking the backline, but even harder through the mid to forward as we have so many similar options.
Haven't included any of the new draftees as I'd prefer they began the season finding their feet in the twos. Not to say if any of them demand selection on nab cup performance, then I'd be just as happy.

 

[a mayes ing]

What do people think: Do we want a 3 tall forward line (Freeman, Walker, Schache/Close) or a 2 tall forward line (Freeman, Walker)?

 

[SizeMatters]

Freeman + Someone as forwards, and Walker as Forward Ruck.

 

[winged1]

Freeman + Someone as forwards, and Walker as Forward Ruck.

Yes with McStay as a floater who could be very dangerous if he is getting the no 3 or 4 defender.

 

[SizeMatters]

Yes with McStay as a floater who could be very dangerous if he is getting the no 3 or 4 defender.

I think McStay will get first crack to see if he works harder as the 3rd tall, if not he can always play in defence. Close could also come in when fit and play as 3rd tall which would allow him to better utilize his running ability. Also got Schache who could surprise.

 

[Wounded Lion]

The scary thing about McStay is, he could start on a wing and drift forward or back, he has the fitness to do so.

Against Gold Coast he played 3rd tall in defence and still kicked 2 goals.

For me, he is ahead of Andrews & Gardiner for that 3rd tall position down back and ahead of Close & Schache for that 3rd tall position down forward.

He can also play as a running defender off half-back. Against Carlton, he played down back alongside Andrews, Clarke & Merrett. This would edge out Paparone for that hybrid 4th tall/running defender that Leppitsch wants, similar to what Patfull played as in his last year for us.

He will be the ultimate swing-man in 2016 and every team needs one.

 

[SizeMatters]

yup, really want to see McStay play around the ball. He has a great handball.

 

[Milux]

Theres a fare bit to get excited come this season. Talents there. Midfields there. Backline should do better then last year. If leppa really is the right guy for the job then this is his year. I think the club should back him in and sign him for a few more years.

 

[Len S]

The scary thing about McStay is, he could start on a wing and drift forward or back, he has the fitness to do so.

Against Gold Coast he played 3rd tall in defence and still kicked 2 goals.

For me, he is ahead of Andrews & Gardiner for that 3rd tall position down back and ahead of Close & Schache for that 3rd tall position down forward.

He can also play as a running defender off half-back. Against Carlton, he played down back alongside Andrews, Clarke & Merrett. This would edge out Paparone for that hybrid 4th tall/running defender that Leppitsch wants, similar to what Patfull played as in his last year for us.

He will be the ultimate swing-man in 2016 and every team needs one.

Yeah...McStay is one of the most gifted players on our list...as was mentioned,a scoring threat anywhere from forward of the wings. I think they want him to play in the back half or a wing, and that's sensible. Gardiner and Cutler and Dawson are also first cabs , as defenders. Hanley and Rich won't play in defence if the selectors have plenty of natural back half players...and we have. They have little or no defensive abiities. Harwood is also rightly favoured..his attack on the ball and man,is of real value, and gives him a distinctive asset.

 

[Wounded Lion]

Yeah...McStay is one of the most gifted players on our list...as was mentioned,a scoring threat anywhere from forward of the wings. I think they want him to play in the back half or a wing, and that's sensible. Gardiner and Cutler and Dawson are also first cabs , as defenders. Hanley and Rich won't play in defence if the selectors have plenty of natural back half players...and we have. They have little or no defensive abiities. Harwood is also rightly favoured..his attack on the ball and man,is of real value, and gives him a distinctive asset.

I would prefer to see Hanley always playing in the midfield along with Rich. Leppa's game style encourages our midfielders to sweep at a contest and transition the ball sideways to open up an attack.

Hanley does typify the natural evolution of a running defender moving into the midfield during their peak years before transitioning back into a more general defensive role, similar to Jed Adcock & Robert Murphy.

 

[Wounded Lion]

Yeah...McStay is one of the most gifted players on our list...as was mentioned,a scoring threat anywhere from forward of the wings. I think they want him to play in the back half or a wing, and that's sensible. Gardiner and Cutler and Dawson are also first cabs , as defenders. Hanley and Rich won't play in defence if the selectors have plenty of natural back half players...and we have. They have little or no defensive abiities. Harwood is also rightly favoured..his attack on the ball and man,is of real value, and gives him a distinctive asset.

I would prefer to see Hanley always playing in the midfield along with Rich. Leppa's game style encourages our midfielders to sweep at a contest and transition the ball sideways to open up an attack.

Hanley does typify the natural evolution of a running defender moving into the midfield during their peak years before transitioning back into a more general defensive role, similar to Jed Adcock & Robert Murphy.

 

[LJH2014]

Permitting no injuries and what not this is how I'd like to see our round 1 team look like, I know many will disagree but as much as Clarke has improved having him and Merrett in the same team whilst also playing andrews doesn't work as we become to tall and unreliable by possession, which was really found out in the Vs Melb game this year. Having Gardiner and Paparone as the 3rd and 4th talls allows us much more rebound whilst also giving us the intercept role that we need. Both can also play small. Also dependant on how things are going having Mcstay up forward as a 3rd tall gives us the option of swinging him back if extra height/body size is needed then possibly freeing up paparone to the front half/wing . Then still having freeman and walker up forward as the two main avenues to goal.

Gardiner. Merrett. Paparone

Hanley. Andrews. Cutler

Zorko. Beams (d) Robinson

Taylor Walker. Rich

Green. Freeman. Mcstay

Stefan Martin
Tom Rockliff
Allen Christensen

Tom bell
Ryan Bastinac
Sam mayes
Liam Dawson

Gives about an average age of 23 and a half and average games of 71