2016 Brisbane Lions starting line up

[getgaff]

Gee, some fairly condescending opposition supporters rocking up here.

"Let me tell you what is best for you."

Just because we're from footy's backwaters doesn't mean that we can't come up with our own unrealistic trade scenarios.

I don't remember insinuating "let me tell you what is best for you" and I'd hardly call it condescending either. More an opinion being expressed. Is that not OK anymore?

I'm happy to disagree but not when I'm accused of saying "let me tell you what is best for you" because that's a lie. Never have I suggested that before and never would I suggest that. You all know the Lions and what is best for the club far better than me and that seems to be keeping Mayes. Fair enough.

I acknowledge Mayes is a required player who is yet to peak but lets say a club came to you during the trade period and offered a key forward, however they request that Sam Mayes be part of that trade. What would you want the clubs response to be? Shoot them straight down and rely on the current list and Schache OR take the time and carefully consider the pros and cons of the trade before making a decision.

I'll wait your thoughts than leave it at that. Don't want to take this point any further as it's derailing what should be a positive thread to look forward to.

 

[John_Proctor]

I'd be interested in Carlisle but by all accounts there's approximately a zero percent chance of him leaving Victoria, which is understandable given he can get equivalent dollars without having to move to the footy frontier. Dixon was on the cards, but I'd hesitate to swap Mayes for him if Mayes would even head down the road as I think we're more likely to get a decent career out of Mayes. The other forward-type that we've been linked to was Walker, who would attract offers substantially below the value of Mayes. I also don't see any club trading a contracted forward option such that Mayes is the tipping point in any trade offer.

on Footy Classified last night M Lloyd basically said now that Brisbane are bottom of the ladder Essendon are more confident about keeping him as he wouldn't risk the PSD and only leave via trade to a Vic team (which we know how Essendon trade!).

 

[Harris Specter]

I acknowledge Mayes is a required player who is yet to peak but lets say a club came to you during the trade period and offered a key forward, however they request that Sam Mayes be part of that trade. What would you want the clubs response to be? Shoot them straight down and rely on the current list and Schache OR take the time and carefully consider the pros and cons of the trade before making a decision.

I'll wait your thoughts than leave it at that. Don't want to take this point any further as it's derailing what should be a positive thread to look forward to.

Every club will name a player they want, doesn't mean they will get it. Collingwood named Zorko, Hanley, Aish or Rockliff last year. Did they get them?

 

[pOleK]

FB: Clarke Merrett Dawson
HB: Andrews Mcstay Gardiner
C: Redden Rockliff Rich
HF: Zorko Taylor Mayes
FF: Schache Freeman Green
Foll: Martin Hanley D.Beams
Interchange: Bewick Christensen Robinson Paparone
Emergency: Harwood C. Beams McGrath/Robertson/Cutler/Lester

 

[BrizzyBandit]

FB: Clarke Merrett Dawson
HB: Andrews Mcstay Gardiner
C: Redden Rockliff Rich
HF: Zorko Taylor Mayes
FF: Schache Freeman Green
Foll: Martin Hanley D.Beams
Interchange: Bewick Christensen Robinson Paparone
Emergency: Harwood C. Beams McGrath/Robertson/Cutler/Lester

Taylor as CHF?
Redden on the Wing?
Bewick in our 22?

 

[pOleK]

Taylor as CHF?
Redden on the Wing?
Bewick in our 22?

Well those 2 were the last ones i actually put in the 22 and i had no room to put them anywhere else, I know they're both where they don't play but i do see them in the 22 but like i said had no more room. And yes i do believe Bewick is best 22 material (maybe a bit bias as I am a big fan of Bewick).

 

[BrizzyBandit]

Thought I'd write up my team and explain why I chose each player and what they offer Expect controversy.

FB: Andrews Merrett Gardiner
HB: McStay Clarke Hanley

C: Zorko DBeams Robertson
Foll: Martin Rockcliff Robinson

HF: Francis Close Christensen
FF: Green Freeman Schache

Interchange: Mayes, Paparone, Taylor, Keayes.

Andrews: Easily best 22. A future star in our back line. Like to see him freed up to be the second man in taking intercept marks and spoils etc.

Merrett: On skill alone Merrett doesn't make the list; but AFL isn't all about skill. Merrett provides some serious muscle and experience in our backline. He crashes packs and makes the opposition hurt. He helps the talented juniors around him stand taller making them feel safe in the knowledge they have a 105kg angry red nut in their corner.

Gardiner: Love this kid. He can play tall or more importantly on the mid size forwards like Stringer and Lecras. He is as tough as they come and gets under the skin of his opponents. He also has a high ceiling talent wise...... Easily best 22.

McStay: Could be a superstar based on talent alone. Big mobile boy who looks most at home in the back line imo. He has good speed for a guy his size. Great timing in the air which is critical for our ariel defence. He'll have 3 preseasons under his belt next season and should have a bigger tank for those second and third defensive efforts.

Clarke: He's been at his best playing on the third tall, but its time to step up to the big boys and start winning there. Clarke is a tireless worker and a good field kick..... I want him bigger next year... He has broad shoulders and only need time in the gym. He looks like he's going to be a beast. Clarke when fit is easily best 22.

Hanley: Lets face it.... he could play anywhere. But we need a line breaker off half back. There is none better than Hanley when he's fully fit.
Hanley is a huge barometer for the team. If he is on fire.... our chance of winning increases dramatically. Along with Dayne Beams.... He's our best player.

Zorko: Zorko has moved to the wing in the last couple of weeks and has shown career bast form. He's always been an outside player for mine and is a genuine line breaker / goal scorer. Hopefully with the new position comes more consistency throughout next year. Great talent. At his best..... He's one of our best.

D Beams: No brainer.

Robertson: This will cause some controversy. But he's in our future and I want games put in him. He'll have a few pre-seasons under his belt next year and will be ready to step up full time. A true gut running mid with a big body, good pace and is hard to tackle and get past. His ceiling is unknown hence why he now edges out Redden.

Martin: No Brainer.... one of the best ruckman in the comp. Definitely the best running and ruckman.

Rockcliff: We need our captain fit and firing next year. I'd like to see him come out looking like Robinson next year. Leppa commented on our lack of size. Rocky is an elite midfielder in the comp and still has room to improve. Lets see some of his tough standards apply to his own physique.

Robinson: Much like Merrett, Robinson isn't in our team for his silky skills. But he has become one of our most important players. Robinson is a frantic, 'see ball get ball' player that has shown he's a game changer at his best. I love his leadership, big body, aggressive game style. He is exactly what the Lions have been missing for the last 10 years. Definitely best 22. Along side Martin..... a super bargain.

Francis: A big call for a first year player to be named above the likes of Redden etc...... Stay with me on this. Firstly I believe we'll get a second pick after our first with Leuey being traded out. It will allow the AFL to deny a priority pick whilst injecting some much needed talent. The AFL need us firing more than they need Carlton firing.... big dollars are at stake. No point Rupert Murdoch investing in the northern states if the teams in it are crap. Francis offers something we don't have. A big bodied, highly skilled, hard running utility player. We need to get games into him as soon as possible. He's too good for the NEAFL. There is a romance to his selection with his deceased brother loving the Lions..... but he earns his spot in my list for his talent, player attributes and massive ceiling.

Close: Close is going to return next season a lot bigger than this year. He'll have had 12 months of pumping iron and I cannot wait to see how he returns. He is an elite runner and should be able to compete in the 1on1's and run his opponents into the ground. He doesn't strike me as the most natural of forwards...... but he has good doses of aggression and definitely has first crack out CHF.

Christensen: Very different type of player to Beams..... but was just as valuable to pickup. With no preseason under his belt he has continued to get better and better. One of the most naturally skilled footballers on our list. He will be an elite talent next year if he isn't already. Just needs his fitness to get to the next level for more gut running.

Green: Our best goal kicker. Is elite off the deck and supremely deadly offensively. I think he needs to improve his work ethic over the off season to take his fitness to another level. I'm a little worried he rests on his goal kicking ability too much. If he had the defensive game of Zorko he'd be the best small forward in the competition.

Freeman: He is a super talent. Named because he needs all the games he can get.... and arguably our best key position forward prospect at the moment. Doesn't have a big tank hence why I've named him at Full Forward. But he knows how to lead and create space on his opponents..... another naturally good player..... His work ethic off the field will determine his level of success.

Schache: He may not be ready to play AFL next year..... But I've still named him..... Elite talent that needs games banked. He might come out of the team when his giant body needs some rest. I want to see glimpses of his talent and expose him to the pace of our Game. I'll burn the place down if we don't select him with our first pick.

Mayes: I think a sink or swim year for Mayes in 2016. He's been quiet again this season.... but has started to show glimpses of form that made him a highly rated prospect. His potential demands a spot in our 22.

Paparone: Jury is still out on Paparone.... but he has shown good form in our backline. He is also an elite running tall that can provide true versatility coming off the bench. I'd like to see him get better in the contested marking situations...... very good and the intercept mark.

Keayes: Rated by many as a top 10 prospect and others as a top 20. either way he is a highly rated midfielder that has the potential to be elite..... please note I said potential. Lets give him a spot and sink games into him. That way in 2 years time he's played 50 games and flying.... hopefully.

No Redden: Before you yell at me...... I agree that Redden is still a best 22 player for the Lions. However the great Leigh Matthews said changes need to be made for a change to occur. This isn't just with the old retiring players. I think Redden has peaked and will be over taken in the next year. So what do we do? Do we continue to preserver with him due to some misguided notion of loyalty?? Or do make the hard decision and release him to find a long term spot with another list? I think the latter. He has some currency at the moment, probably able to attract a 2nd round pick. Lets continue to blood our youngsters who at this stage show more promise. May hurt us a little short term but who amongst us expects to play finals next year??

 

[Milk Steak]

FB: Clarke Merrett Dawson
HB: Andrews Mcstay Gardiner
C: Redden Rockliff Rich
HF: Zorko Taylor Mayes
FF: Schache Freeman Green
Foll: Martin Hanley D.Beams
Interchange: Bewick Christensen Robinson Paparone
Emergency: Harwood C. Beams McGrath/Robertson/Cutler/Lester

I don't want to be a negative nancy and shoot down your squad, but that backline is WAY too tall and that forward line probably too short.

 

[Milk Steak]

FB:Cutler Andrews Gardiner
HB: Paparone Clarke Beams
C.Beams,Taylor,Hanley
HF:Mayes McStay Christensen
FF:Schache Freeman Green
Foll:Martin Rockliff Robinson

Int: Zorko Harwood Dawson Rich

Obviously trade/draft time could result in changes,but I'd be pretty chuffed seeing that team run out

 

[jackess]

We can't complain about not having enough key backs, most peoples 2016 team have 4 or 5.

 

[knaf]

BrizzyBandit - No Rich? Francis sounds like Dawson.

 

[theteamtobeat]

B: Harwood, Merrett, Clarke
HB: Mayes, Andrews, Cutler
C: Hanley, Rockliff, Rich
Fol: Martin, Beams, Redden
HF: Zorko, McStay, Taylor
F: Green, Freeman, Schache
Int: Robinson, Christensen, Paparone; Beams

 

[Vipertooth]

Thought I'd write up my team and explain why I chose each player and what they offer Expect controversy.

FB: Andrews Merrett Gardiner
HB: McStay Clarke Hanley

C: Zorko DBeams Robertson
Foll: Martin Rockcliff Robinson

HF: Francis Close Christensen
FF: Green Freeman Schache

Interchange: Mayes, Paparone, Taylor, Keayes.

Andrews: Easily best 22. A future star in our back line. Like to see him freed up to be the second man in taking intercept marks and spoils etc.

Merrett: On skill alone Merrett doesn't make the list; but AFL isn't all about skill. Merrett provides some serious muscle and experience in our backline. He crashes packs and makes the opposition hurt. He helps the talented juniors around him stand taller making them feel safe in the knowledge they have a 105kg angry red nut in their corner.

Gardiner: Love this kid. He can play tall or more importantly on the mid size forwards like Stringer and Lecras. He is as tough as they come and gets under the skin of his opponents. He also has a high ceiling talent wise...... Easily best 22.

McStay: Could be a superstar based on talent alone. Big mobile boy who looks most at home in the back line imo. He has good speed for a guy his size. Great timing in the air which is critical for our ariel defence. He'll have 3 preseasons under his belt next season and should have a bigger tank for those second and third defensive efforts.

Clarke: He's been at his best playing on the third tall, but its time to step up to the big boys and start winning there. Clarke is a tireless worker and a good field kick..... I want him bigger next year... He has broad shoulders and only need time in the gym. He looks like he's going to be a beast. Clarke when fit is easily best 22.

Hanley: Lets face it.... he could play anywhere. But we need a line breaker off half back. There is none better than Hanley when he's fully fit.
Hanley is a huge barometer for the team. If he is on fire.... our chance of winning increases dramatically. Along with Dayne Beams.... He's our best player.

Zorko: Zorko has moved to the wing in the last couple of weeks and has shown career bast form. He's always been an outside player for mine and is a genuine line breaker / goal scorer. Hopefully with the new position comes more consistency throughout next year. Great talent. At his best..... He's one of our best.

D Beams: No brainer.

Robertson: This will cause some controversy. But he's in our future and I want games put in him. He'll have a few pre-seasons under his belt next year and will be ready to step up full time. A true gut running mid with a big body, good pace and is hard to tackle and get past. His ceiling is unknown hence why he now edges out Redden.

Martin: No Brainer.... one of the best ruckman in the comp. Definitely the best running and ruckman.

Rockcliff: We need our captain fit and firing next year. I'd like to see him come out looking like Robinson next year. Leppa commented on our lack of size. Rocky is an elite midfielder in the comp and still has room to improve. Lets see some of his tough standards apply to his own physique.

Robinson: Much like Merrett, Robinson isn't in our team for his silky skills. But he has become one of our most important players. Robinson is a frantic, 'see ball get ball' player that has shown he's a game changer at his best. I love his leadership, big body, aggressive game style. He is exactly what the Lions have been missing for the last 10 years. Definitely best 22. Along side Martin..... a super bargain.

Francis: A big call for a first year player to be named above the likes of Redden etc...... Stay with me on this. Firstly I believe we'll get a second pick after our first with Leuey being traded out. It will allow the AFL to deny a priority pick whilst injecting some much needed talent. The AFL need us firing more than they need Carlton firing.... big dollars are at stake. No point Rupert Murdoch investing in the northern states if the teams in it are crap. Francis offers something we don't have. A big bodied, highly skilled, hard running utility player. We need to get games into him as soon as possible. He's too good for the NEAFL. There is a romance to his selection with his deceased brother loving the Lions..... but he earns his spot in my list for his talent, player attributes and massive ceiling.

Close: Close is going to return next season a lot bigger than this year. He'll have had 12 months of pumping iron and I cannot wait to see how he returns. He is an elite runner and should be able to compete in the 1on1's and run his opponents into the ground. He doesn't strike me as the most natural of forwards...... but he has good doses of aggression and definitely has first crack out CHF.

Christensen: Very different type of player to Beams..... but was just as valuable to pickup. With no preseason under his belt he has continued to get better and better. One of the most naturally skilled footballers on our list. He will be an elite talent next year if he isn't already. Just needs his fitness to get to the next level for more gut running.

Green: Our best goal kicker. Is elite off the deck and supremely deadly offensively. I think he needs to improve his work ethic over the off season to take his fitness to another level. I'm a little worried he rests on his goal kicking ability too much. If he had the defensive game of Zorko he'd be the best small forward in the competition.

Freeman: He is a super talent. Named because he needs all the games he can get.... and arguably our best key position forward prospect at the moment. Doesn't have a big tank hence why I've named him at Full Forward. But he knows how to lead and create space on his opponents..... another naturally good player..... His work ethic off the field will determine his level of success.

Schache: He may not be ready to play AFL next year..... But I've still named him..... Elite talent that needs games banked. He might come out of the team when his giant body needs some rest. I want to see glimpses of his talent and expose him to the pace of our Game. I'll burn the place down if we don't select him with our first pick.

Mayes: I think a sink or swim year for Mayes in 2016. He's been quiet again this season.... but has started to show glimpses of form that made him a highly rated prospect. He potential demands a spot in our 22.

Paparone: Jury is still out on Paparone.... but he has shown good form in our backline. He is also an elite running tall that can provide true versatility coming off the bench. I'd like to see him get better in the contested marking situations...... very good and the intercept mark.

Keayes: Rated by many as a top 10 prospect and others as a top 20. either way he is a highly rated midfielder that has the potential to be elite..... please note I said potential. Lets give him a spot and sink games into him. That way in 2 years time he's played 50 games and flying.... hopefully.

No Redden: Before you yell at me...... I agree that Redden is still a best 22 player for the Lions. However the great Leigh Matthews has said some changes need to be made for a change to occur.... and this isn't just with the old retiring players. I think Redden has shown all he has to show, and is going to be over taken in the next year by the youngsters coming through. So what do we do? Do we continue to preserver with him due to some misguided notion of loyalty?? Or do make the hard decision and release him to find a long term spot with someone? I think the latter. He has some currency at the moment, probably able to attract a 2nd round pick. Lets continue to blood our youngsters who at this stage show more promise. May hurt us a little next year..... but who amongst us expects us to play finals next year??

And where is our best kick and my fav player, Mr Dan Richy Rich?

 

[BrizzyBandit]

BrizzyBandit - No Rich? Francis sounds like Dawson.

****

 

[BrizzyBandit]

And where is our best kick and my fav player, Mr Dan Richy Rich?

Mother ****er....

I knew something was slight off. Rich in of course..... Keayes in with our first injury

 

[Lace Out]

I hope this thread isn't masquerading as a "Best 22" thread.

We all know that team never plays.

 

[Flea_29]

FB: Harwood, Merrett, Dawson
HB: Andrews, Gardiner, Hanley
C: Redden, Rich, Mayes
HF: Zorko, McStay, Taylor
FF: Christensen, Freeman, Green
Foll: Martin, Rockliff, D.Beams
I/C: West, C. Beams, Robinson, Cutler
Emergency: Bewick, McGuane, Paparone, McGrath, Robertson, Lester, Clarke,
Others: Schache, Keays & Hipwood
If we have an injury-free season we should have a group that could be very competitive.

 

[bearslover1996]

Clarke, Andrews, Gardiner
cutler, Paparone, Rich
Taylor, Beams, Robertson
Zorko, Freeman, Mayes
Green, Close, Bundy

Martin, Rockliff, Robinson

Lester, McStay, Hanley, Keays

Emg: Merrett, Dawson, Harwood


Redden replaced by Keays, bit of a youth policy leaving out Merrett but he could be subbed for Gardiner. Tossed up Harwood and Cutler but could replace Lester with Harwood and move Rich into midfield.

Close to play second ruck and Mcstay the swing man.

 

[mick1013]

Assuming we take Schache, Hipwood and Keays and lose Aish, Berger, Redden. Best 22 next year.

FB: Gardiner, Merrett, Andrews.
HB: Hanley, Clarke, Rich.

Backline firstly, got the 3 talls, Gardiner to play small, and rich and hanley to run. Sounds pretty simple to me.

Centre Line: Taylor, Beams, Mayes
Foll: Martin, Rockliff, Robinson

Middle gets the dash on the outside by Mayes and Taylor, With the inside grunt by Beams, Rocky and Robinson. Stef is just a star.

HF: Zorko, Freeman, Christensen.
FF: Green, Schache, McStay.

Got the future of the brisbane lions Schache at Full forward. Small men providing pressure. McStay and freeman giving another option, hopefully both develop well.

INT: Robertson, Keays, Lester Sub: McGrath.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Hopefully we aren't playing Schache much at all next year.

 

[mick1013]

Hopefully we aren't playing Schache much at all next year.

why not ? develop the number 1 pick as soon as possible only way he is going to get better

 

[Bucking Beads]

why not ? develop the number 1 pick as soon as possible only way he is going to get better

Not a fan of just gifting games to the kid. Ideally Close and Freeman kick on so we can take our time with Schache

 

[mick1013]

gifting kids games... we've been doing it with kids who are rookies. we will have a number 1 pick im 99% sure they will use him round 1. stupid not to

 

[pOleK]

Assuming we take Schache, Hipwood and Keays and lose Aish, Berger, Redden. Best 22 next year.

FB: Gardiner, Merrett, Andrews.
HB: Hanley, Clarke, Rich.

Backline firstly, got the 3 talls, Gardiner to play small, and rich and hanley to run. Sounds pretty simple to me.

Centre Line: Taylor, Beams, Mayes
Foll: Martin, Rockliff, Robinson

Middle gets the dash on the outside by Mayes and Taylor, With the inside grunt by Beams, Rocky and Robinson. Stef is just a star.

HF: Zorko, Freeman, Christensen.
FF: Green, Schache, McStay.

Got the future of the brisbane lions Schache at Full forward. Small men providing pressure. McStay and freeman giving another option, hopefully both develop well.

INT: Robertson, Keays, Lester Sub: McGrath.

ONly difference i'd make is probably Bewick replaces Keays just due to inexperience and being a first year plaer. But other than that, quite a nice list considering everyone we are going to lose.

 

[Bucking Beads]

gifting kids games... we've been doing it with kids who are rookies. we will have a number 1 pick im 99% sure they will use him round 1. stupid not to

Key forwards take time. It would be much better for our club if Close and Freeman are playing well enough to keep Schache out of the side. I fully expect Schache to play a handful of games but that is all I hope it is.