‘Scary’ Lions poised for new golden age

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 themercury.com.au SUBSCRIPTIONS 1300 696 397

BRISBANE is on the path to a second “golden era” this century, with its bulging list of topend talent being labelled a “scary proposition” for opposition sides.

Former Hawthorn recruiter and leading list analyst Gary Buckenara believes the Lions’ list build has left them with the premiership window wide open over coming years as the club vies for its first flag since its premiership three-peat from 2001-03.

Brisbane climbed from five wins in 2018 to finish second on the ladder with 16 wins this year before going on to record a straight-sets finals exit.

However, Buckenara believes this year’s achievements are just the beginning for Chris Fagan’s young side.

“There are exciting times ahead for the supporters who have been starved of finals action basically since the threepeat from 2001-03,” Buckenara said yesterday.

“There is so much talent on this list that the glory days of that three-peat could be a reality once again and in the very near future. I can see this team achieving a period of sustained success.”

Buckenara said the Lions had 11 players aged 21 or under who he believed could develop into A or B-Grade players led by Hugh McCluggage.

That is in addition to 12 players Buckenara already rated as A or B-Grade players, including Lachie Neale, Harris Andrews, Charlie Cameron and Dayne Zorko.

Buckenara said the addition of Tasmanian and former Hawthorn defender Grant Birchall would help fill the void of retired star Luke Hodge and had further shown the Lions were now a “destination club”. “Players will see the potential for success at Brisbane,” Buckenara said.

“It is a seriously scary proposition for opposition clubs and why I believe Brisbane is set for another golden era.”

Buckenara said he expected Brisbane to target a small forward in next month’s national draft after the club missed out on luring Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott during the trade period.