Doubt is surely starting to enter the mind of the Brisbane faithful. After three straight seasons of blowing out in the finals, can they jump the final hurdle?
Finishes of second and fourth have resulted in two straight-set exits and a prelim loss in 2020.
The arrival of spearhead Joe Daniher was touted as the final key to finally making the grand final, and while the ex-Bomber was a large asset in their success, expectations will rise this season.
While that obviously didn't occur, the Lions are still in good stead to take the next step forward.
Off-season moves
Ins:ย Darcy Fortย (Geelong Cats, 2022),ย Kai Lohmann (2023),ย James Tunstil (2023), Darcy Wilmot (2023)
Outs:ย Connor Ballendenย (delisted),ย Grant Birchallย (retired),ย Tom Joyceย (delisted),ย Archie Smithย (retired),ย Brock Smith (delisted), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (inactive)
Breakout Player
Last year Zac Bailey broke through at the Lions, and this year his fellow 2017 draftee Cam Rayner is poised to do the same.
The former No.1 draft pick missed all last season to an ACL injury, and will be a welcome addition to the side. Rayner brings excitement and energy to the team and could have an impact forward and in the centre, much like Bailey.
The 22-year-old has shown plenty in training this year, and is sure to spend time forward and in the midfield working in tandem with Bailey.
