The Brisbane Lions head into this year's National Draft in a particularly comfortable position, having achieved a Grand Final berth before intelligently navigating this year's free agency and trade period to address relevant needs.
Following the unfortunate retirement of defender Marcus Adams to persistent concussion issues, Brisbane attained former Adelaide backman Tom Doedee to join forces with co-captain Harris Andrews, burgeoning stopper Jack Payne, and the reliable Darcy Gardiner.
The Lions also orchestrated a trade for first-year forward Brandon Ryan, who makes his way to Springfield in exchange for veteran Jack Gunston, who surprisingly sought a Waverley reunion this off-season.
It's a like-for-like switch for senior coach Chris Fagan, who will likely trot the inexperienced Ryan out as a third tall alongside Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood next season.
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Brisbane's other key move was offloading out-of-favour ruck-forward Tom Fullarton - who was trapped behind Oscar McInerney and Darcy Fort in the Lions' tall order - to Melbourne to ply his trade behind formidable skipper Max Gawn.
So, where does that leave the Lions in terms of their remaining needs and likely strategic approach heading into the draft portion of the off-season?
Draft Hand
Picks: 30, 39, 51, 54, 67, and 97.
While Brisbane doesn't enter this year's count until midway through the second round, the Lions probably won't feel the need to orchestrate a live trade-up into the earlier portion of proceedings.
Their No.39 selection was gained after the swapping of Gunston and Ryan with Hawthorn, with the Lions, in turn, surrendering a future second-rounder.
Depending on how the evening unfolds, the Lions may even entertain the idea of trading further back in order to regain some of their exported future capital.
List Needs
Key-Position Defender: Having re-established their defending and attacking brigades with respective moves, there aren't too many holes that need plugging in Springfield going into 2024.
However, even while Tom Doedee's recruitment shapes as positive for Brisbane, the reliable stopper is recovering from a knee reconstruction suffered during the year, which does raise questions about the ex-Crow's durability and prospective longevity.
While ACL recoveries have become progressively more straightforward over time, the potential for another similar injury in the future can't be ruled out. Hence, a developmental key-defending prospect could be on recruiting boss Steve Conole's agenda.
Wing Depth: Hugh McCluggage and Dayne Zorko were named on the wings in Fagan's Grand Final side that was beaten by Collingwood.
McCluggage, a jack of all trades, can obviously play the wing position. But, he's also notably proficient as a true inside midfielder, as well as when he plays as a dangerous, drifting half-forward.
Then there's the veteran Zorko, who signed on at Springfield for another season, though it's no secret his time at the professional level is coming to an end.
Therefore, should the Lions be examining the viability of targeting a wingman or outside-running prospect at this year's count? Even if he were to play a very minimal senior role in years one and two, it could be worth the long-term investment in the position.
Insideย Midfielder:
Again, we've been stretched pretty thin in terms of trying to find holes in Brisbane's list.
This isn't to say Brisbane 'needs' an inside midfielder, but more of an indication that the club's list gurus could look to the 'best player available' approach when they're on the clock, and the best player available could well be an engine room talent.
Again, even if that onballer is afforded limited senior opportunities throughout his first season or two, the argument could easily be made that it'd be a worthwhile venture considering he'd be learning behind the likes of two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, contested beast Josh Dunkley, the unheralded Jarrod Berry, and the aforementioned McCluggage.
Potential Targets
Zane Zakostelsky: The Claremont ruck-defender hybrid saved his best game 'til last in 2023, collecting 22 disposals and 18 hitouts to help lead the Tigers' Colts side to a premiership win last month. Standing at 196cm, Zakostelsky could be utilised as a key defender for the Lions who can spend time supporting the first-string ruckman, with his athletic frame giving him the advantage in the air and with the ball in hand. South Australia captain Will Patton is another key defender Brisbane might have an eye on if they look to add to their backline.
Joel Freijah:ย Freijah entered the early portion of this year as one of the premier outside midfielders but is now likely to fall closer to the second-round slot where the Lions will have multiple selections. The Vic Country wingman averaged 19.6 disposals, 4.1 marks, 3.2 inside 50s, and almost a goal-per-game for the GWV Rebels in 2023. Another name the Lions could weigh up late into the draft is WA's Aiden O'Driscoll - the younger brother of Fremantle pair Nathan and Emma - who is an exciting outside runner with a good tank and plenty of speed.
Clay Hall:ย The Peel Thunder prospect is one of the leading names out of WA this year, thanks to the cleanliness of his contested game. Hall managed nine games at the senior WAFL level this year, playing alongside a host of Fremantle players while averaging 18.6 disposals per game. Another midfielder to consider might be Sandringham Dragons premiership captain Will Brown with one of their later selections. The Lions will be keeping 2024 father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft in mind, with the younger brother of Will another contested ball-winner.
