Brisbane smashed Gold Coast by 73 points in the Q-Clash on Saturday, kicking 14 goals in a row on the way to a comprehensive victory.
Chris Fagan’s side is currently sitting in fourth place on the ladder and have flown under the radar somewhat compared to some of the other premiership contenders.
One of the players currently impressing is Zac Bailey, who has averaged 17 touches from the first nine games of the season, as well as kicking eight goals so far.
David King said Bailey was a prospective All-Australian “wildcard”, saying he was the type of player to “shift the needle” in the Lions side.
“When you look at what they’ve had to do without the Brownlow Medallist (Lachie Neale) not being there and when he was there, he was banged up anyway,” he said on SEN’s Whateley.
“I think we’ve seen a lot of growth in those players around the edges and I keep coming back to Zac Bailey.
“I think he’s the next wildcard All-Australian type player and he could just go to the pointy end of the elite. He’s 21 and still very young.
“He’s got time, he’s got composure. Everyone wants to talk about Hugh McCluggage and those types in the midfield, I just keep coming back to Zac Bailey and I think he’s a finals player for me.
“He’s one that could shift the needle in a final and they’ve done really well.”
King also pinpointed what he believes is a clear mindset shift from the head coach, saying there appeared to be an added edge to Chris Fagan’s demeanour this year.
“I think there’s been a shift in the coach – we’re not hearing as much from Chris Fagan this year and I think there’s a bit of an edge about him this year,” he said.
“We talk about a team taking on the persona of the coach, I just wonder if by design whether he’s stepped back and been a little bit sharper.”
Brisbane welcomes Richmond to the Gabba on Friday night in what promises to be one of the highlights of Round 10.