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Are Brisbane the real deal in 2019?
Sitting sixth, with a 6-4 record, are the Brisbane Lions a genuine finals threat in 2019?
Many predicted Brisbane to begin their rise up the ladder in 2019, but so far this season they have outperformed every expectation. Are they a genuine finals contender and just how deep can they go?
Sitting sixth with a 6-4 record, a strong trade period coupled with the form of several young guns has seriously put them in the discussion.
Lachie Neale is one of the hot favourites for the Brownlow Medal after crossing from Fremantle in the off-season. The midfield bull is averaging a whopping 33 disposals, sitting second for touches in the competition.
Young midfielders Hugh McCluggage, Alex Witherden, and Jarrod Berry are all averaging over 20 disposals themselves, but unfortunately, Berry has been forced out for several weeks with a knee injury.
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The Lions have managed to turn The Gabba into a fortress again, only dropping one game there so far this season, to 2018 runners up Collingwood. Stirring wins against fancies Adelaide (one point) and West Coast (44 points) have cemented the side’s credentials.
Coming up
In coming weeks, Brisbane will host Hawthorn and Melbourne at home, with North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast, and Geelong all ready to make the trip to The Gabba in 2019.
A relatively ‘easy’ draw heading into the back half of the season would have Brisbane supremely confident of a top-eight finish, possibly even top four.
With 12 matches remaining in the home and away season, the Lions only face another three sides currently above them on the ladder (GWS, Geelong, and Richmond), with nine games scheduled against current bottom eight sides.
The double chance come finals time is a very real proposition and would be getting Lions fans very excited.
See Brisbane face the Hawks at The Gabba in Sir Doug Nicholls Round this Saturday night, with a 7.25pm bounce. You can purchase tickets to see Brisbane v Hawthorn, and all Brisbane Lions games at The Gabba in 2019 from Ticketmaster.com.au.
