AFL Team Profile: Brisbane Lions

Brisbane Lions suffered grand final heartbreak in 2023 when losing to Collingwood and they will be determined to bounce back in the new campaign.

The Lions came so close before ending up losing a thrilling final by four points. It was a final that could have gone either way and Brisbane look sure to be in the mix once again.

They can be backed at 7.00 to go one step further and win the 2024 grand final, with Collingwood the hot fancies at 5.00 to go back-to-back.

Brisbane will have been licking their wounds this last few months and should be raring to go when the new season gets underway.

Coach Chris Fagan still has a quality list at his disposal and the fire should still be there to go again.

Let’s take a look at the Lions ahead of the new season.

2023 ends in heartbreak

The Lions have been there or thereabouts for the last few seasons and it looked as though 2023 could finally be their year.

They finished second on the ladder at the end of the regular season when winning 17 of their 23 games, with a percentage of 123.1.

The Lions then impressed in finals when seeing off Port Adelaide in the qualifying final with ease, to set up a preliminary final against Carlton.

Again they came out on top to set up a grand final showdown with Collingwood at the MCG.

It was a classic final that went right to the wire in front of just over 100,000 spectators, but it was the Pies that just had the edge on this occasion, winning 90-86.

The Lions will have had plenty of time to dust themselves down and should be ready to go again.

They are priced at 3.60 to reach the final, but their only goal will be to go all the way and win it.

Key players

The Lions have a list packed with quality, including Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale.

Neale scooped the Brownlow for the second time in his career following an outstanding 2023 and will be one to watch in the new season.

The Lions have plenty of class in midfield and alongside Neale the likes of Josh Dunkley and Jarrod Berry will be looking to thrive.

Talking of midfielders, the Lions will also be led by influential skipper Dayne Zorko.

Up top, key forward Joe Daniher will be among the goals, as will Charlie Cameron and Eric Hipwood.

In defence another big season can be expected from Harris Andrews.

Lions begin with Carlton

The Lions begin the season with a tough opener against another side who have their eyes on the premiership, Carlton.

In a repeat of last season’s preliminary final, the Lions have home advantage in their favour and are priced at 1.38, while the Blues are 3.10.

A week later, the Lions head to the west to take on Fremantle and can be backed at 1.62 to win.