Brisbane was again a contender in 2022 as Chris Fagan’s side played finals for a fourth-straight season.
Armed with a list that’s primed to win a premiership, the Lions would’ve been disappointed to miss the top four as they equalled last year’s 15-7 record, but this time finished sixth.
While they were without the double-chance, the Lions rallied in September to win two finals as underdogs, first against Richmond at home and second against Melbourne at the MCG.
Ultimately though, they’d fail to reach the decider again as Geelong dominated them in a Preliminary Final demolition.
Lachie Neale returned to his dominant best after a down 2021 campaign, finishing second in the Brownlow medal, while Hugh McCluggage and Charlie Cameron were also named in the All-Australian squad.
With stars across the board and a couple of highly rated prospects arriving this off-season, Brisbane will hope to feature at the pointy end again in 2022.
The season in a sentence
One rung below the best sides, but put some of their finals demons to bed with an impressive September fortnight.
The Highlight
Without a doubt, Brisbane’s best performance was their Semi Final win over Melbourne.
Trailing by 22 points at half-time, it looked like the reigning premiers were set to inflict a 12th consecutive MCG loss on Brisbane.
With the cards stacked against them, Chris Fagan’s side started to take the game on with dare as they ran over the top of the home side, winning by 13 points.
Ending their MCG hoodoo was a huge monkey off the back for the Lions, and they should have no fears of the ground where they’ll ultimately have to win at on the last Saturday of September going forward.
The Lowlight
Off the back of two huge wins, the Lions barely gave whimper in their Preliminary Final against Geelong.
The final margin was 71 points in Geelong’s favour, and that may have been flattering.
With four years of finals experience under their belts, Brisbane would’ve hoped to have given more in such an important game as they were completely outclassed by the Cats.
Just as most of the question marks surrounding their finals capabilities looked to be diminishing, the extent of that loss had some believing that the Lions’ game still doesn’t stack up when it matters most.
Off-season moves to make
In a win-now mode, Brisbane is set to be one of the biggest players in this off-season.
Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley has requested a trade to the Gabba, and his inclusion will bolster an already strong on-ball unit.
Along with Dunkley, father-son Will Ashcroft is set to join via the draft and most experts have the Sandringham Dragons prospect as the best underage player in the country.
Along with Ashcroft – who many expect to have a Nick Daicos-like debut season – fellow father-son Jaspa Fletcher, who is considered a top-20 prospect, will also join the club.
Could these three additions prove enough to get this side over the hump?
On the chopping block
Fan favourite Mitch Robinson has called time on his career and the Lions will no doubt have other experienced players follow him out the door.
161-game defender Ryan Lester is without a contract and may be moved on, while Dan McStay is certain to join Collingwood as a free agent.
Uncontracted Lions Carter Michael, Connor McFadyen, Deividas Uosis, Ely Smith, Mitchell Cox and Tom Fullarton also face nervous off-seasons.
B&F top 3
- Lachie Neale
- Hugh McCluggage
- Charlie Cameron
Lachie Neale was by far Brisbane’s best player in 2022 and looks destined to claim a third Merrett-Murray Medal.
Neale’s running mate Hugh McCluggage also enjoyed a strong campaign, picking up 14 Brownlow Votes and an All-Australian squad selection.
The outside midfielder should feature on the podium alongside Charlie Cameron, who kicked 54 goals and again proved he was one of if not the best small forward in the competition.
Season grade: 8/10