Brisbane Lions

Every AFL team’s best 23 for the 2024 season: Brisbane Lions

Looking to go one step further, here’s how the Lions’ squad might take shape👇

Published by
Mitch Keating

After a grand final finish in 2023, the Lions added to their list through free agency, trade and the draft in the hope of going one better next year.

Home to a lethal midfield group and the competition's best attacking contingent, Brisbane strengthened their backline but likely won't welcome new recruit Tom Doedee until the second half of the year.

Young gun Will Ashcroft is in a similar position after suffering his own ACL injury this year, with the Lions' grand final side to be buoyed by the pair's eventual inclusions.

A backline conundrum and a stacked midfield group will place some headaches among the selection committee, but the Lions are well-placed to contend for the premiership in 2024.

SEE ALSO: ADELAIDE'S BEST 23

Defenders

Brisbane bolstered their rearguard options with the addition of Adelaide free agent Tom Doedee, who is expected to miss the opening half of the 2024 season with an ACL injury.

He'll eventually slot into a role alongside Harris Andrews and Jack Payne on the Lions' last line, while a question on whether Darcy Gardiner also has a place will need to be answered.

The key defender played just four games last year but was selected ahead of the incumbent Payne, with a trio of talls and Doedee potentially too much height down. It's likely one of Gardiner or Ryan Lester will start the new season before Doedee is cleared to return.

With Daniel Rich making way, the Lions now turn to the future with Darcy Wilmot, Keidean Coleman and Conor McKenna all set to provide some spring out of the backline, while Brandon Starcevich continue in his role as the man to shut down the opposition's leading small forward.

Keidean Coleman during the round 22 AFL match between St Kilda and Brisbane on August 12, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Noah Answerth is another depth option for the Lions and will look to break back into the senior side after a hindered past few seasons, while James Madden, Jaxon Prior, Carter Michael and Darragh Joyce round out their backline depth chart.

The Lions acquired Western Australian tall Zane Zakostelsky at the National Draft, but have called for patience with the raw defender-ruck hybrid.

Midfielders

The Lions are brimming with top line talent in the middle as Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale leads Chris Fagan's engine room ensemble.

He'll be accompanied by Josh Dunkley, Jarrod Berry and Hugh McCluggage to again form arguably the most lethal midfield pack, while second-year onballer Will Ashcroft will be a welcomed mid-season addition following his lengthy recovery from an ACL, coming into the side as if he were a new recruit.

The retention of Deven Robertson will add to the club's premiership plans for the coming years, while other emerging names in Zac Bailey, Cam Rayner and Jaspa Fletcher will see minutes in midfield next year while rotating through the front half.

Callum Ah Chee will provide some run and could slot into any flank role across the field, with the Lions utility a fitting option for the tactical sub role.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 28: Lachie Neale of the Lions during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Brisbane Lions at Adelaide Oval on May 28, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos)

The delisting of Rhys Mathieson has opened up selection competition among the reinforcements, with Harry Sharp and Jaxon Prior among the names to press their case for call-up.

Oscar McInerney will again take on the first-string ruck role and could earn some support from Joe Daniher or Eric Hipwood if Darcy Fort isn't recognised as a starting 22 player.

Forwards

Another line where the Lions are short on star options, with Brisbane ranked as the best attacking team in 2023 thanks to their crop of top-echelon talent.

Spearhead Joe Daniher had his best season as a Lion this year, booting 61 goals to combine for a total of 102 with twin towering forward Eric Hipwood.

Charlie Cameron added 59 majors of his own in 2023, while Cam Rayner, Zac Bailey and Lincoln McCarthy each booted 23 goals or more as the smaller-sized fleet of forwards continued to cause as much havoc.

The void opened by the loss of Jack Gunston has been filled by ex-Hawks tall Brandon Ryan, who showed promising glimpses across his three games in the brown and gold after landing at Hawthorn via the Mid-Season Draft.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Charlie Cameron of the Lions celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Port Adelaide Power at The Gabba on September 09, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Sophomore Kai Lohmann played six games this year and will be pressing for more opportunities, while Jaspa Fletcher promises to be a viable forward option when not needed in midfield.

Draftees Logan Morris and Luke Lloyd will be afforded time to develop in the VFL before getting a look at the top level, while project player Henry Smith and Academy graduate Shadeau Brain could earn debuts in 2024.

Final 23

FB: Tom Doedee, Jack Payne, Darcy Wilmot
HB: 
Keidean Coleman, Harris Andrews, Brandon Starcevich
C: Hugh McCluggage, Will Ashcroft, Deven Robertson
HF: Cam Rayner, Joe Daniher, Zac Bailey
FF: Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood, Lincoln McCarthy
FO: Oscar McInerney, Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley
I/C: Jarrod Berry, Jaspa Fletcher, Dayne Zorko, Conor McKenna
SUB: Callum Ahe Chee

Also in the mix: Brandon Ryan, Darcy Gardiner, Ryan Lester, Kai Lohmann, Darcy Fort, Jaxon Prior, James Tunstill

Published by
Mitch Keating