Brisbane enters 2017 coming off a low base with just three wins last season, but the appointment of Chris Fagan as coach has given Lions fans reason for optimism according to Garry Lyon and Tim Watson.
The 54-year-old takes the reins from Justin Leppitsch and has already set about transforming a club that has won just 14 of its past 66 matches over the past three seasons.
“He’s a great teacher, a great communicator, he has great empathy, he understands football, he understands young people, he’s got a game plan sense that he believes is going to be successful,” Watson said on SEN Breakfast.
“I really think it’s an inspired choice by the Brisbane Lions to get him up there and coach.”
Lyon, who played under Fagan when he was an assistant at the Demons, added: “he’s got all those qualifications and he’ll be really strong up there.”
Watson said that there is a serious talent shortfall on the Lions’ list, but the recent additions in the draft are starting to right the ship.
“According to Champion Data’s 2017 Prospectus, the Lions only have five players on their list that are rated as elite or above average – the Bulldogs have the most in the AFL at 19,” he said.
Lyon cited Josh Schache, Eric Hipwood, Daniel McStay, Harris Andrews, Jonathan Freeman and Michael Close are six developing key position players that are capable of leading the club into its next era.
“These are all 6’5, 6’6 young kids, and they can play,” he said.
“That’s the building blocks, that’s the foundation that Chris Fagan’s got to work with.
“Once they get it in (inside 50), their percentage of scoring is not too bad, but their issue lays through the midfield and their skills.”
What they added over the off-season...
National draft: Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry, Alex Witherden, Cedrix Cox, Jacob Allison, Corey Lyons.
Trade: Jack Frost (Collingwood)
What they lost from 2016...
Retired: Justin Clarke, Jaden McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Trent West.
Delisted: Hugh Beasley, Billy Evans, Josh Green, Josh McGuinness, Jackson Paine, Josh Watts.
Traded: Pearce Hanley (Gold Coast).
The first month...
Round 1 – Gold Coast V Brisbane, Metricon
Round 2 – Brisbane v Essendon, Gabba
Round 3 – St Kilda V Brisbane, Etihad Stadium
Round 4 – Brisbane V Richmond, Gabba
"They've to again make the Gabba a difficult place to play, and that's where they can pinch a couple" – Garry Lyon.
Predicted headline...
“I think the headline will be around the improvement. I think they’ll be better simply because they are happier and they’ve got Chris Fagan there and they got a priority pick – which has gone completely under the radar.” – Sam McClure.
Where will they finish?
- Garry: 18th
- Tim: 17th