PENPIX OF THE BRISBANE LIONS' TEAM FOR THE AFL GRAND FINAL.
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BACK LINE
15. Dayne Zorko
Age: 35. Games: 276. Goals: 233. Finals: 15.
The former captain thrived when he was sent into defence to fill the void left by the injured Keidean Coleman. His bold, often risky, kicks allow the Lions to go quickly off halfback.
31. Harris Andrews
Age: 27. Games: 211. Goals: 11. Finals: 15.
One of the best big defenders in the game, the Lions co-captain is an intercept marking king who regularly has a defensive forward placed on him.
16. Conor McKenna
Age: 28. Games: 122. Goals: 27. Finals: 8.
Plagued by soft-tissue injuries early in the season, the Irishman is almost the ideal sub - quick, a long kick, and bold with possession.
HALF-BACK LINE
44. Darcy Wilmot
Age: 20. Games: 55. Goals: 6. Finals: 9
Already an experienced head despite being in just his third season. Clean, quick and makes smart decisions.
40. Jack Payne
Age: 24. Games: 67. Goals: 2. Finals: 9.
Having missed last year's decider through injury, the towering defender provides crucial support to Andrews as the second key tall. Hurt his knee in the elimination final but has bravely played on.
35. Ryan Lester
Age: 31. Games: 206. Goals: 47. Finals: 9.
Arguably the best game of his career came in the preliminary final. The popular clubman who has survived on one-year contracts has gone from VFL captain to a vital cog in defence during the last two seasons.
Jack Payne's chasedown tackle was CLUTCHHHHH! 😮�💨— AFL (@AFL) #AFLFinals | #AFLCatsLions pic.twitter.com/YOa4NPGzQsSeptember 21, 2024
CENTRE LINE
28. Jaspa Fletcher
Age: 20. Games: 40. Goals: 13. Finals: 6.
Quiet on grand final day last year, but the young winger has had a knack of popping up in crucial moments this September.
8. Will Ashcroft
Age: 20. Games: 30. Goals: 10. Finals: 3.
Only got better since returning from an ACL injury that led to him missing last year's grand final. Clean, sharp and already a crucial member of the Lions' midfield.
6. Hugh McCluggage
Age: 26. Games: 181. Goals: 115. Finals: 15.
After a slow start to the season, the midfield maestro has hit top gear after signing a long-term deal to remain with the Lions. Pivotal moments in last year's grand final.
HALF-FORWARD LINE
16. Cam Rayner
Age: 24. Games: 139. Goals: 134. Finals: 12.
The 2017 No.1 draft pick has had his share of critics, but has delivered two exceptional performances in this year's finals series. Will be desperate to make up for a disappointing showing 12 months ago.
3. Joe Daniher
Age: 30. Games: 203. Goals: 393. Finals: 12.
Silenced any critics over his big-game credentials. Another terrific finals series after polling in last year's Norm Smith Medal voting. Will play a big role as a back-up ruck.
7. Jarrod Berry
Age: 26. Games: 159. Goals: 63. Finals: 15.
Another who wishes he could have some of last year's grand final back. The powerful midfielder can tag the opposition's best player, but also push forward to great effect.
"Everyone has those moments you'd like back."— AAP Sport (@AAPSport) �Regrets, the @brisbanelions have had a few.�It's how they've processed them that's inspired an unlikely shot at @AFL redemption.@wenzel87 https://t.co/G8pCDeIoDUSeptember 23, 2024
FORWARD LINE
23. Charlie Cameron
Age: 30. Games: 228. Goals: 403. Finals: 22.
Not his best season, but the speedy small forward can change a game in an instant. His third grand final after last year, and another losing one with Adelaide in 2017.
30. Eric Hipwood
Age: 27. Games: 176. Goals: 261. Finals: 13.
Been dealing with groin issues recently, but Chris Fagan's faith in him has paid off during the last two finals. Has kicked 32 goals this season.
33. Zac Bailey
Age: 24. Games: 139. Goals: 143. Finals: 14.
With a sharp turn of speed, smarts around the packs, and an acute goal sense, is the complete small attacking package. Â
FOLLOWERS
32. Darcy Fort.
Age: 31. Games: 35. Goals: 17. Finals: 1.
Just two AFL game this season - and none since April 25 - but the journeyman gets a go in place of the injured Oscar McInerney. Faces a mammoth task against Sydney star Brodie Grundy.
5. Josh Dunkley
Age: 27. Games: 166. Goals: 73. Finals: 17.
The only Lion who is already a premiership winner. Has drawn similarities between the Western Bulldogs' run to the 2016 flag and the current Lions group.
9. Lachie Neale
Age: 31. Games: 271. Goals. 128. Finals: 22.
The dual Brownlow medallist has barely been training recently due to a heel issue. But it hasn't stopped him from being at his prolific best once a game starts.
INTERCHANGE
1. Kai Lohmann
Age: 21. Games: 34. Goals: 33. Finals: 3.
A breakout season. An extra weapon in the Lions' forward line they didn't have last September.
4. Callum Ah Chee
Age: 26. Games: 142. Goals: 71. Finals: 11.
Creating a name for himself as Mr September. Kicked two crucial goals in the last quarter of the preliminary final.Â
13. Logan Morris
Age: 19. Games: 18. Goals: 22. Finals: 3.
Wasn't even drafted when the Lions lost last year's grand final. More than held his own in a star-studded forward line.
37. Brandon Starcevich
Age: 25. Games: 117. Goals: 7. Finals: 13.
Had an outstanding finals series. The defender, who can play on smalls and talls, Â is in career-best form.
43. Noah Answerth
Age: 25. Games: 70. Goals: 2. Finals: 7
Drove Dayne Zorko's dad to last year's grand final instead of playing. Had some crucial moments in the epic preliminary final win.
EMERGENCIES
22. Harry Sharp
Age: 21. Games: 16. Goals: 4. Finals: 0.
Endurance beast. Played six games this season.
25. Henry Smith
Age: 22. Games: 4. Goals: 0. Finals: 0.
Reserve ruckman who made his debut against in round 20, against Sydney.
41. Darragh Joyce
Age: 27. Games: 24. Goals: 0. Finals: 0.
Key defender who filled in when Jack Payne was injured.
Australian Associated Press