Lions look to Joe in hunt for the flag

LIONS coach Chris Fagan has already started casting an eye to the future, admitting that his club is “very keen” on the services of Essendon tall Joe Daniher.

Brisbane’s impressive 2020 season came to a crashing end following its 6.6 (42) to 11.16 (82) preliminary final defeat to Geelong at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The more experienced, bigbodied Cats outmuscled the younger Lions – who had several players playing in their first preliminary final.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Fagan applauded his playing group’s development this year.

The potential signing of Daniher is already exciting the Brisbane side, with Fagan admitting that he would become a huge asset for the Lions.

“In the next few days we’ll start thinking about that,” Fagan said. “We’ll watch the tape, assess the game.

“We’re obviously pretty keen to get Joe Daniher to the club, because we think he can help. We’re already in the business of improving next year, so we won’t let the grass grow under our feet.”

Daniher has requested a move out of Victoria and nominated Brisbane as a potential club, and Lions legend Jonathan Brown said Daniher’s potential move would be a huge boost for Brisbane.

“You put Daniher in there with (Dan) McStay and (Eric) Hipwood, it’s quite a potent forward line,” Brown told foxfooty.com.au last month.

It comes as Brisbane continues to improve after rising from wooden spooners in 2017 to preliminary final contenders in 2020.

Fagan said he had been pleased with the growth at the Lions since he took the reins.

“We’re sad and hurting, but you’ve got to be realistic about these things – success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s rare,” Fagan said.