2016 Brisbane Lions starting line up

[pOleK]

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

Agree with the Clarke and Merrett thing as we do seem to be too tall down back. But Merrett is in the twilight of his career but still offers much needed experience down back. This year we should try to have a transition of the big man down back from Merrett to Clarke, as he did prove himself after Merrett was injured early on, but for the majority of the season I'd say we'll be seeing both in the same team. If Merrett continues playing on further i think that is when Clarke woll take over his position.

 

[Dan12]

We are very top heavy with Merrett in the team, plus there's another poor ball user down back.
In our set up we need versatility, intercepting, team defence and creativity from our defence. Merrett takes away from this quite a bit. In my mind the team will be best served with only one of Merrett or Clarke in the team. I'd prefer Clarke simply due to youth. That could leave us hopelessly outsized, granted. But with the likes of Dawson, Andrews and Paps intercepting, Gardiner, Cutler, Dawson and McStay capable of playing on a variety of opponents and C. Beams and Cutler launching attacks, the defence seems balanced and skilful, but very small and light. I guess that's what the coaches will weigh up.

Clarke taking the main forward, Andrews and Gardiner taking taller opponents and C. Beams, Cutler and Dawson to balance attack and locking down smaller players, with Paps playing higher up and working back and McStay swinging back seems like a set up with potential, even if that potential could be realised a fair bit later than 2016.

 

[pOleK]

We are very top heavy with Merrett in the team, plus there's another poor ball user down back.
In our set up we need versatility, intercepting, team defence and creativity from our defence. Merrett takes away from this quite a bit. In my mind the team will be best served with only one of Merrett or Clarke in the team. I'd prefer Clarke simply due to youth. That could leave us hopelessly outsized, granted. But with the likes of Dawson, Andrews and Paps intercepting, Gardiner, Cutler, Dawson and McStay capable of playing on a variety of opponents and C. Beams and Cutler launching attacks, the defence seems balanced and skilful, but very small and light. I guess that's what the coaches will weigh up.

Clarke taking the main forward, Andrews and Gardiner taking taller opponents and C. Beams, Cutler and Dawson to balance attack and locking down smaller players, with Paps playing higher up and working back and McStay swinging back seems like a set up with potential, even if that potential could be realised a fair bit later than 2016.

Dont forget Harwood

 

[Layland_brother]

To be honest, with Adcock getting delisted I'm amazed Merrit is still around. And what worse player could you have our new star recruit living with. The one who pretty told Aish to head to Melnourne.

 

[SizeMatters]

To be honest, with Adcock getting delisted I'm amazed Merrit is still around. And what worse player could you have our new star recruit living with. The one who pretty told Aish to head to Melnourne.

Did Merrett really say that? Doesn't strike me as a bloke who would encourage a player to lave but stranger things have happened I suppose.

 

[Layland_brother]

He did not exactly say that, but he never tried to encourage him to stay.

 

[Robbo18!]

We are very top heavy with Merrett in the team, plus there's another poor ball user down back.
In our set up we need versatility, intercepting, team defence and creativity from our defence. Merrett takes away from this quite a bit. In my mind the team will be best served with only one of Merrett or Clarke in the team. I'd prefer Clarke simply due to youth. That could leave us hopelessly outsized, granted. But with the likes of Dawson, Andrews and Paps intercepting, Gardiner, Cutler, Dawson and McStay capable of playing on a variety of opponents and C. Beams and Cutler launching attacks, the defence seems balanced and skilful, but very small and light. I guess that's what the coaches will weigh up.

Clarke taking the main forward, Andrews and Gardiner taking taller opponents and C. Beams, Cutler and Dawson to balance attack and locking down smaller players, with Paps playing higher up and working back and McStay swinging back seems like a set up with potential, even if that potential could be realised a fair bit later than 2016.

I'm not sure any of our other defenders are ready to line up on the likes of Franklin or Cloke or Tom Hawkins just yet.
Merret brings stability, strength and leadership to a very young back 6
I still reckon he's got a significant role to play. I reckon we'll see the rest rotate somewhat. Merrett has to get through injury free mind you and old Father Time is hot on his heels.

 

[Robbo18!]

He did not exactly say that, but he never tried to encourage him to stay.

That's not what you previously posted (in a public forum). That's how really bad rumours that discredit a persons integrity start mate!

 

[Layland_brother]

And

That's not what you previously posted (in a public forum). That's how really bad rumours that discredit a persons integrity start mate!

What?

 

[Layland_brother]

To be fair, Merrett has been a weak link in a pour side for a decade.

 

[DashinD]

I can't see the problem in having Merrett (when fit) and Clarke in the same team. Merrett on the big bopper at FB and Clarke at CHB. This setup would probably work best when we play a team with a Hawkins/Cloke style player for Merrett to take. So not saying this should be the setup but I can't see why it wouldn't work. Merrett's fitness will probably work this one out. Hope he makes it to the end of the season, love him as a part of the team and I reckon we look the better when he's out there.

 

[Layland_brother]

Fair enough mate, but think Clarke is a monster. Same with Gardiner. Truly believe we have the best young back line going forward by miles. Build from the back, they are two years in front of the forward line. No need for Merrett this year for mine. Just unbalances the whole team going forward.

 

[DashinD]

Fair enough mate, but think Clarke is a monster. Same with Gardiner. Truly believe we have the best young back line going forward by miles. Build from the back, they are two years in front of the forward line. No need for Merrett this year for mine. Just unbalances the whole team going forward.

Totally agree, so much to get excited about our back line in the future. Will be immense!

 

[James North]

Clarke gets destroyed by decent key forwards, and understandably so. Merrett is still the best option. His disposal isn't like Simon Black, but he is a big challenge to mark against.

Adcock probably wasn't seen as quite as necessary, there are a number of rebounding defender types that aren't far behind him.

On that basis, you can't compare those list decisions, but also, I think Jed felt he was worth more than the contract he was offered, and took a gamble.

 

[James North]

He did not exactly say that, but he never tried to encourage him to stay.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl...-night-for-lions/story-e6frf3e3-1227530524792

 

[Layland_brother]

I hear what your saying James, but as I said I believe our back line is looking amazing. Now with Hipwood looking for a game, just not sure Merrett is required. Defo last year, has been a decent servant in a struggling side, not a big fan but can not knock his effort.

 

[jjami15]

Merrett has stated that this will most probable be his last year. A few years ago before he did his back (or a different injury) he was being talked up as one of the best backmen in the comp. When he came back last year Clarke made the statement that Merrett was able to direct those in the back six and it made a big difference. Moving forward for this year at least it takes just that small bit of pressure off Clarke/Gardiner/Andrews to further develop/get stronger and in 2017 the onus will be on them to lead the back six. Just not sure what all the negativity for Merrett is all about.

 

[SizeMatters]

Let's just hope Clarke takes over the leadership of the backline when Merrett most likely retires at the end of next season. Without Merrett we will be severely lacking in that department and I fear Clarke isn't the leader type... or any of the young defenders we have for that matter.

 

[Leuy LongerCombo]

I'm not sure any of our other defenders are ready to line up on the likes of Franklin or Cloke or Tom Hawkins just yet.
Merret brings stability, strength and leadership to a very young back 6
I still reckon he's got a significant role to play. I reckon we'll see the rest rotate somewhat. Merrett has to get through injury free mind you and old Father Time is hot on his heels.

Tend to agree, Merrett has a big role to play in our side. Cant be getting out muscled every week, and his leadership will be important for a very inexperienced group down back.

We do need to keep an eye on the future still and try to get experience and develop some leadership into Clarke, Gardiner and Andrews still. Although a little top heavy with all 4, hopefully a harder working midfield can help with transitioning in to attack.

 

[AFLQLD]

Let's just hope Clarke takes over the leadership of the backline when Merrett most likely retires at the end of next season. Without Merrett we will be severely lacking in that department and I fear Clarke isn't the leader type... or any of the young defenders we have for that matter.

I disagree with that one. In fact Leppa has also praised Clarke's leadership of the backline in Merrett's absence for much of last season.

The fact that Clarke was given a tough job, probably beyond his experience, doesn't mean he is not a leader. Clarke is held in very high esteem within the club.

Clarke was thrown into a role way before he was ready by necessity. He is going to be one of the first picked each week for a long time to come.

 

[Eons]

Nick to be delisted in 2016, fair chance.

Classy post.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

Nick for 'most improved' in 2016.

 

[Gadzorks]

Let's just hope Clarke takes over the leadership of the backline when Merrett most likely retires at the end of next season. Without Merrett we will be severely lacking in that department and I fear Clarke isn't the leader type... or any of the young defenders we have for that matter.

Justin Clarke is a very, very bright young man. I back his ability to learn what he needs to to become a excellent leader capable of directing and managing play in the back half of the field.

 

[Robbo18!]

Nick is contracted until the end of 2018 if I'm not mistaken.

End of 2017 mate

 

[Davemonkey]

Nick to be delisted in 2016, fair chance.

You're breaking Wheaton's law, off you go.