2016 Brisbane Lions starting line up

[cotter101]

I like the look of this. Where do you see Christensen?

See him rotating through the middle and up forward swapping with the likes of Zorko and Mayes. They can all pick up their 20+ disposals and a couple of goals. They all play differently, keep them rotating and keep us a bit more unpredictable for our opponents when we are going into attack.

 

[knaf]

My forward set up would be:

Mayes Walker Zorko
Green Freeman McStay

Nicely balanced forward line cotter. And not as inexperienced as I might have expected. If all six play up to potential they could kick some winning scores.

 

[blackpowerlappin]

Nicely balanced forward line cotter. And not as inexperienced as I might have expected. If all six play up to potential they could kick some winning scores.

I'd like to see Christensen Beams and Hanley spend time around the forward line in rotations as well. Hanley can create a lot of headaches to back line structures and can kick long as we all know.

 

[POBT]

Given that the noises are that Mayes will again play behind the footy, I'd probably put Bell into the half forward line.

Christensen is clearly a best 18 player but we might be best off starting him from the bench giving a Beams or Hanley a chop out.

 

[blackpowerlappin]

Given that the noises are that Mayes will again play behind the footy, I'd probably put Bell into the half forward line.

Christensen is clearly a best 18 player but we might be best off starting him from the bench giving a Beams or Hanley a chop out.

Yep forgot about Bell like him in there

 

[POBT]

One thing that will be interesting is to see if Leppa continues to use guys in specialist "wing" roles. Last year, we saw the likes of Taylor, Robertson and Paparone play really wide of the contest in different games. Ideally, you have a guy like Isaac Smith play that role - quick, long running and with a penetrating kick. We probably don't have someone like that in the best side (Cutler maybe?) so the question is whether we continue with that as a role or rely on the half forwards and half backs for width and use the wing roles more as "outside-in" midfielders.

If it is the latter, it becomes easier to fit the likes of Rich and Christensen into the starting 18. But if we want wide runners with big engines, then you need to look at specialists who may not otherwise be in the best 18 players.

 

[pOleK]

Given that the noises are that Mayes will again play behind the footy, I'd probably put Bell into the half forward line.

Christensen is clearly a best 18 player but we might be best off starting him from the bench giving a Beams or Hanley a chop out.

Can just imagine him rampaging through the defenders and adding some much needed grunt in the forward line.

Reckon Bull is a well suited nickname for Bell.

 

[Len S]

One thing that will be interesting is to see if Leppa continues to use guys in specialist "wing" roles. Last year, we saw the likes of Taylor, Robertson and Paparone play really wide of the contest in different games. Ideally, you have a guy like Isaac Smith play that role - quick, long running and with a penetrating kick. We probably don't have someone like that in the best side (Cutler maybe?) so the question is whether we continue with that as a role or rely on the half forwards and half backs for width and use the wing roles more as "outside-in" midfielders.

If it is the latter, it becomes easier to fit the likes of Rich and Christensen into the starting 18. But if we want wide runners with big engines, then you need to look at specialists who may not otherwise be in the best 18 players.

Hanley will likely be here,and is well suited.

 

[SizeMatters]

Well last few years and last year before injuries we had been playing blokes like Rich, Redden etc as wingers... each had faults that didn't suite them to that role so naturally I wasn't a fan of them playing there so hopefully we move to the wing role of hard two way runners that can win their own ball. Robertson, Bell, Bastinac if need be and maybe even Jansen if training reports suggest he has improved his running ability. All can win their own ball, have great endurance and have potential to go forward and kick a goal a game.

 

[Fatcat08]

Well last few years and last year before injuries we had been playing blokes like Rich, Redden etc as wingers... each had faults that didn't suite them to that role so naturally I wasn't a fan of them playing there so hopefully we move to the wing role of hard two way runners that can win their own ball. Robertson, Bell, Bastinac if need be and maybe even Jansen if training reports suggest he has improved his running ability. All can win their own ball, have great endurance and have potential to go forward and kick a goal a game.

I'd agree with Bell and Robertson although I'd prefer someone in that role to have a bit better kick on them. Both have time to improve on that however.

 

[SizeMatters]

I'd agree with Bell and Robertson although I'd prefer someone in that role to have a bit better kick on them. Both have time to improve on that however.

I agree but I think their ability to run both ways however is more important for our team structure right now and besides there aren't many great kicks on our team. Our midfield really does lack that two way running ability and it's something that has burned us for years now.

Also let's just hope our team as a whole can improve and hit targets by hand or foot under pressure this season to stop the huge amount of goals scored on us through turnovers. It's the difference between finishing us finishing second last and us making finals IMO.

 

[Leemas]

I agree but I think their ability to run both ways however is more important for our team structure right now and besides there aren't many great kicks on our team. Our midfield really does lack that two way running ability and it's something that has burned us for years now.

Also let's just hope our team as a whole can improve and hit targets by hand or foot under pressure this season to stop the huge amount of goals scored on us through turnovers. It's the difference between finishing us finishing second last and us making finals IMO.

This is why I feel as we move on with better two way runners becoming more available on the half forward line I struggle to have all 3 of zorko, taylor and green in the team. Lewy and Green don't make a lot of tackles and have them broken very easily. With our recent acquisitions wouldn't be surprised to see us not play all 3. I hope they can pick up there defensive side as the mossie squad do make for a very exciting brand of football. Nothing more exciting to watch than when those 3 are up and about imo.

 

[Caiphus]

Lewey goes for tackles, they just don't stick. I think his pressure and intensity is quite good, it's just a lack of strength and technique that hold him back. As a third year player is expect him to go up to averaging around three tackles a game based on the amount of attempts he makes. His strength should be significantly improved.

 

[cotter101]

Given that the noises are that Mayes will again play behind the footy, I'd probably put Bell into the half forward line.

Christensen is clearly a best 18 player but we might be best off starting him from the bench giving a Beams or Hanley a chop out.

I agree. My forward line was purely based on what I felt would have been a good set up.

Andrews, Merrett, Harwood
Dawson, Clarke, Cutler

Rich, Beams, Hanley

Bell, Walker, Zorko
Green, Freeman, McStay

Foll: Martin, Rockliff, Robinson

Bastinac, Bundy, Mayes, Robertson

Finding it hard to fit Paparone and Taylor in. Which is a good sign. They miss out in my side more because of structure than anything. Competition should be good this year.

 

[Len S]

I agree. My forward line was purely based on what I felt would have been a good set up.

Andrews, Merrett, Harwood
Dawson, Clarke, Cutler

Rich, Beams, Hanley



Bell, Walker, Zorko
Green, Freeman, McStay



Foll: Martin, Rockliff, Robinson








Bastinac, Bundy, Mayes, Robertson

Finding it hard to fit Paparone and Taylor in. Which is a good sign. They miss out in my side more because of structure than anything. Competition should be good this year.

Like your side a lot. Taylor has played every game and won't be dropped now.Bastinac, must earn his place.Robertson ,Paparone and Bastinac, will likely contest a place. I am not writing Beasley off. ..strong and smart footballer.

I agree. My forward line was purely based on what I felt would have been a good set up.

Andrews, Merrett, Harwood
Dawson, Clarke, Cutler

Rich, Beams, Hanley

Bell, Walker, Zorko
Green, Freeman, McStay

Foll: Martin, Rockliff, Robinson

Bastinac, Bundy, Mayes, Robertson

Finding it hard to fit Paparone and Taylor in. Which is a good sign. They miss out in my side more because of structure than anything. Competition should be good this year.

 

[lionshine]

I think Robertson will become a best 22 player this year. He showed signs of becoming one last year but injuries held him back.

My line up:

B: Harwood Merrett Andrews
HB: Paparone Clarke Cutler
C: Robertson Robinson Hanley
HF: Bell Walker Zorko
F: Green Freeman McStay
R: Martin Rockliff DBeams
I: Rich Bastinac Christensen Mayes
E: Taylor Lester Dawson

Found it really difficult selecting the defenders. Wanted to have all three of Gardiner, Dawson and CBeams in there badly but I just think Paparone needs to be in the side over Gardiner due to his flexibility and running ability and I went with Harwood and Cutler over Dawson and CBeams and I am struggling to justify why. I rate all 4 and would love to fit all 4 in the side but at least we have options if 1 or more goes down with injury.

The midfield and bench decisions were fairly easy for me. Lester, Jansen and Mathieson are all quality inside mid depth options and Taylor, Bewick and Keays are all quality outside options.

Close, Schache and potentially Hipwood are depth options for Walker, Freeman and McStay. Green is the only other stay at home forward with Bell, Zorko, Bundy, DBeams, Hanley ect. all rotating through there.

Taylor, Close, Gardiner, Lester, Dawson, CBeams, Bewick, McGrath, Jansen and the youngsters Schache, Mathieson and Keays will all be knocking the door down in the reserves.

I placed Mayes on the bench as a utility who can play as a defender, on the wing or on the half forward flank. I was choosing between him and Taylor for that final bench spot and just rated Mayes as the superior player(When both are playing at their best) but it is hard to see Taylor being left out of the senior side considering he has played 44 out of a possible 44 games to start his career.

One thing I noticed when writing this is that I truly believe we finally have some depth outside of the best 22. I know it always appears that way at this time of year but with players like Robertson and Cutler potentially improving and pushing into the senior line up it pushes players like Bewick, CBeams and Lester down the pecking order and those three are terrific depth options(Will always dominate the reserves and put pressure on those in the senior line up).

 

[lionshine]

I think Robertson and Cutler both entering their 3rd seasons will make that jump and have break out years this year. Similar to the jump Docherty and Yeo made in their 3rd years when they joined their new clubs. Robbo and Cuts running ability excites me and it will add a new element to our best 22.

 

[wantok]

I see Taylor or McGrath slotting straight into the Green forward pocket spot if the Green injury lingers. Our midfield/flanker depth is strong.

 

[Balony_pony16]

I see Taylor or McGrath slotting straight into the Green forward pocket spot if the Green injury lingers. Our midfield/flanker depth is strong.

yeah we should cover Green quite easily

 

[Balony_pony16]

I just think Paparone needs to be in the side over Gardiner due to his flexibility and running ability a

agree... paparones running ability & height really stands out. Ive seen mock teams with people tossing up between him and guys like Harwood. But really no one else brings what paparone brings to the team in defense

 

[Len S]

Roertson lacks speed and has big decision making issues.Work in progress. Guys like Jansen and Bastinac will have to earn a place.Unlike Bell they have no recent runs on the board. Gardiner, is rightly rated by the club,and if he is fit will be first picked in the back half. Too much speculative selection..I doubt there will be a real picture emerge until about half way through the season

 

[POBT]

Gardiner first picked in the back half?

 

[blackpowerlappin]

Gardiner first picked in the back half?

First couple for me.

 

[WA Lion]

Roertson lacks speed and has big decision making issues.Work in progress. Guys like Jansen and Bastinac will have to earn a place.Unlike Bell they have no recent runs on the board. Gardiner, is rightly rated by the club,and if he is fit will be first picked in the back half. Too much speculative selection..I doubt there will be a real picture emerge until about half way through the season

Not sure Robbo lacks to much speed for mine! Plus, with limited rotations this year his elite endurance will count in his favour. Club seems to really rate him too. His decision making was much improved last year compared to year 1, and like any young player it will come with experience. Would also have to disagree on Bastinac. He is a walk-up start if he is fit IMO, inside ball winning ability helps release Rich and Beams to more outside roles, or at the very least shares the inside workload. I do agree however that our best 22 might take a few weeks to work out

 

[cotter101]

Roertson lacks speed and has big decision making issues.Work in progress. Guys like Jansen and Bastinac will have to earn a place.Unlike Bell they have no recent runs on the board. Gardiner, is rightly rated by the club,and if he is fit will be first picked in the back half. Too much speculative selection..I doubt there will be a real picture emerge until about half way through the season

Robertson doesn't lack speed. Runs a 2.91 20m Sprint from memory. Bastinac will has runs on the board and is best 22. Gardiner far from first picked in our back half.

Jansen is behind the pecking order a fair bit and will need to show a lot in the NEAFL.