Brisbane on track to win Lions’ share

BRISBANE Lions could be armed with four top-20 picks in this year’s draft.

The reinvigorated Lions are already assured of three top-20 picks and will consider applying for an end-of-first-round priority selection.

Based on the current ladder, the Lions could have picks one, 15, 18 and 19.

But recruiters are more bullish about next year’s draft crop as several bottom-age prospects are outperforming this year’s potential draftees.

The AFL granted the Lions a priority selection last year after they finished 17th with a record of 3-19 and a percentage of 61.6.

They are on track for a similar season — Brisbane sits last at 2-10 with a percentage of 69.9.

The Lions believe they have made gains in the past six weeks, evidenced by an improved effort against Port Adelaide at the weekend.

In Round 6 the Power smashed Brisbane by 83 points at the Gabba, but the margin was cut to 40 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The competitive performance was diminished by Port scoring 8.5 to 2.0 in red time.

Freakish young forward Eric Hipwood kicked two goals reminiscent of a young Lance Franklin, who developed at Hawthorn under the watch of current Lions coach Chris Fagan.

Re-signed No. 2 draft pick Josh Schache returned from his break refreshed and slotted five goals in the Lions’ 150point NEAFL win against Southport on Saturday and half-back Alex Witherden is storming towards a debut.

Witherden, taken at pick No. 23 last year from Geelong Falcons, has been one of the standout teenage Lions after recovering from breaking a leg in May last year.

The Lions have not had the No. 1 pick since securing Des Headland in 1998. But if no standout prospect emerges, they could be tempted to trade the selection.

Brisbane received Port Adelaide’s first-round choice in the trade that sent Pearce Hanley to Gold Coast and will secure 199cm key forward Connor Ballenden from its talent academy.

Ballenden is rated a late first-round pick who could rise into the top 10 with a dominant national championships.

St Kilda, with picks two and nine on the indicative order, appears best placed to trade with Greater Western Sydney should Josh Kelly or Lachie Whitfield ask to leave the Giants.

The Saints hold Hawthorn’s first-round selection. The Hawks are not slated to enter the draft until pick 34.

The order has Geelong’s first selection at No. 21 as debate continues on what a fair Cats trade to bring Gary Ablett back home could be.