Brisbane legend Johnathan Brown is certain the Lions have what it takes to win the 2023 AFL premiership.
The Lions have been a perennial contender under Chris Fagan since 2019, finishing no lower than sixth on the ladder across that five-year stretch.
While they’ve played in Preliminary Finals in both 2020 and 2022, the Lions haven’t played off in a Grand Final since 2004 and are desperate to make it all of the way to the last Saturday in September.
After finishing second this season with at least two finals to come at the Gabba, Brown was asked by David King if this was the club’s best chance to lift the cup aloft since Fagan took over.
“I think so,” Brown replied on SEN Breakfast.
“I think a group has to be involved in some finals campaigns before they can go and win it.
“Obviously they've done that, they’ve been to Preliminary Finals but unfortunately they haven't been able to climb over the mountain.
“I think they were probably lacking that belief in previous campaigns, But think they truly believe now.
“I think that Melbourne loss, even though it was a loss at the MCG, I think they got a lot of belief out of that.
“They've been able to tidy up some late-game performances the last few weeks with some close games and I think they're as good a chance as anyone.
“Obviously they can get a clean run through September play home finals and then come to the MCG on Grand Final day where anything can happen.
“But I think they've certainly got the quality and the talent there and I think they've got the belief, which I think was a missing factor.”
With a huge finals series ahead, Brown was asked who the key players were for Brisbane if they were to go all the way.
The former power forward named two midfielders, two forwards and two defenders that he feels will be critical in September.
“I think Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley are critical, I think that's partly part of the reason why Dunkley was brought in,” Brown said.
“He's enjoyed premiership success. He knows what it's about.
“I think Neale’s starting to get back to that top form. He's probably been carrying an injury during the year, but he looks like in the last fortnight he's got a bit of life back in his legs.
“Hopefully he can get another week off if they win that first final.
“Then your big guys Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood I think have been able to elevate themselves, especially because they've played like big blokes and not played like flankers.
“They've had a strong presence throughout the year and obviously Jack Payne and Harris Andrews have been outstanding.
“I think those five or six big players, who are contested players, I think if they can have a dominant finals series that'll go a long way towards them winning it all.”
Brisbane begin their September campaign with a Qualifying Final clash against Port Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.