Lofty goals for Lions

BRISBANE legend Jonathan Brown says Joe Daniher is the final piece of a premiership puzzle that is now complete and ready to secure the Lions their first flag since 2003.

Prized off-season recruit Daniher proved an instant hit in his first match against AFL opposition, kicking four goals for the Lions in their 47-point win over the Gold Coast Suns in last Saturday’s trial at Metricon Stadium.

Fellow forward Eric Hipwood also booted four goals as the pair combined with potency in a positive sign for the Lions’ premiership hopes.

Brown, who starred in the forward line when Brisbane won a hat-trick of premierships from 2001 to 2003, wasn’t convinced the Lions were ready to win another flag – until the arrival of Daniher from Essendon.

“I had concerns whether they could win it until they got a bona fide All-australian experienced key forward there,” Brown said.

“Now they’ve got that, it’s just a matter of him staying healthy and he can contribute.

“It was their most pressing need – a big focal point there to kick goals. The Lions need more goals out of their key position forwards if they’re going to win it.

“An All-australian calibre player is only going to help the other key forwards, especially Hipwood and (Daniel) Mcstay. With those three guys they could really cause problems.”

Brown said there was no doubt that Lions – who fell a win short of reaching last season’s grand final in a finals campaign that included a victory over eventual premiers Richmond – were in a “premiership window”.

“Let’s not beat around the bush ... the window is certainly open,” the Fox Footy expert said. “If you’ve won a final last year, and you’ve beaten the premiers in a final, I don’t think even the players could say that they’re not in a premiership window.

“They’d be hopeful of winning a premiership. When we’re sitting here talking in September, you’d be hoping they’re contending.”

Brisbane meet the Suns again next Monday night in an AAMI Community Series match at Metricon Stadium.

The Lions open their premiership campaign on March 20 against the Sydney Swans at the Gabba.