After a strong 2022 campaign, the Lions fizzled out in a disappointing preliminary final defeat against the Cats. With a deep list that's in its prime, they would have been hoping for so much more, leading to a big off-season of recruiting.
They were a powerhouse for much of 2022 and made a statement ending the Demons' season at the MCG in the semi-final, showing that they were a contender. While they won 15 games and plenty went right on-field for the Lions, things started to go awry when Marcus Adams went down, costing them a crucial piece of their defensive foundation.
Injuries, form and a perceived lack of big bodies at the contest looked to leave them exposed when push came to shove, which the Cats capitalised on. Their much-vaunted midfield was smashed in the contested game in their most crucial match of the season.
Season 2023 has already started off in interesting fashion for the Lions, being smashed by Port Adelaide and found wanting against the Western Bulldogs. Yet they've also managed to beat the two teams that most consider being the benchmark in the competition in Melbourne and Collingwood.
At the moment, they are a bit Jekyll and Hyde, searching for consistency while clearly in their premiership window, having gone about solidifying their talented list by recruiting Josh Dunkley, Conor McKenna, Jack Gunston and landing gun father-son recruit Will Ashcroft.
While there are still minor concerns with bedding in all their new assets, at their best, they are a force to be reckoned with and absolutely a premiership chance once things click.
Yet they would still happily take another player or two to match the kind of depth that the likes of Collingwood now possess.
Here are some options we think might be of interest to the Lions if they were able to 'steal' a rival player.
4. Brody Mihocek
As we've seen on occasion this year and last, the Lions' reliance on Joe Daniher or Eric Hipwood to kick a bag can prove costly and while Cam Rayner exploded against the Magpies, another strong-bodied medium-sized forward would add another dimension to their forward line. Brody Mihocek would be ideal for the Lions.
Standing 192cm, he is a powerful leading forward who can take contested marks and kick truly. Mihocek is one of the competition's most underrated and consistent forwards. Since being recruited from the VFL, he has become a staple at Collingwood and has proven to be worth his weight in gold.
In season 2023 to date, he averages 4.5 marks, 2.2 goals, 2.5 tackles and 1.8 inside 50's per game and is ranked 12th for total goals. While in 2022, he averaged 3.8 marks, 1.8 goals and 2.0 tackles per game, highlighting the continuing improvement in his game.
A forward line combination of Daniher, Hipwood, Rayner, Cameron, McCarthy and Mihocek would be irresistible, with multiple avenues to goal and a strong blend of height, speed, athleticism, pressure and goal nous.
Mihocek would add yet another weapon to the Lions' armoury and ease the pressure on the club's often-scrutinised forwards.
