Other previewed clubs are: Western Bulldogs, Richmond Tigers, Geelong Cats, Fremantle Dockers, Carlton Blues, Essendon Bombers, St Kilda Saints, Melbourne Demons, Hawthorn Hawks, West Coast Eagles, Kangaroos & Collingwood Magpies.

Michael Voss returns to Brisbane as coach and can he inspire the club to finals?

Will the Lions See Finals This Year?

Since the Power stopped the Lions from winning their fourth consecutive flag in 2004 they have been largely uninspiring. The last four seasons have seen them finish 11h, 13th, 10th and 10th again last year. It was the way they finished off last season that is of particular concern. After Round 13′s win over Adelaide the Lions sat in 6th spot with an 8 and 5 record with games to come against Melbourne, Essendon, West Coast and Richmond to all but sew up a birth in the finals. They could only muster a win against the Eagles and subsequently went on to lose 7 of their last 9 games. A major worry was their defence or lack there of, which coughed 100 points plus far too easily.

The off-season saw Matthews depart and Michael Voss take the reigns. Initially I loved everything that I heard coming out of Bris-Vegas over the Summer. Brown was made sole Captain, they were training hard, Voss excluded himself from a former team mates wedding and they were smarter then 6 other clubs and drafted the best teenager in the land.

As the new year swung around some old problems reared their ugly heads. Rhan Hooper went walkabout again and Albert Proud found himself in trouble, whilst their pre season form has been indifferent to say the least. In the same way that Paul Roos did I am banking on the Lions playing out of their skins for their former skipper. We may not see the results this year but Voss is a no-nonsense type who will build a culture of fierceness, commitment and loyalty in his troops. If he can galvanise them to show the same pride and discipline that he did as a player then they will be back playing finals in no time.

Likely Finish: 9th-12th

Players to Watch

Jon Brown: The big fella will relish the role of sole skipper and set the example for the younger blokes. Last season he averaged 15 touches and 8 marks a game as well as slotting 70 goals. If he can get anywhere near full fitness I expect all of these numbers to go up.

Josh Drummond: Picked up at No#60 in the rookie draft of 2004, Drummond had his most productive season last year averaging 17 disposals a game and kicking 6 goals from a back flank. A penetrating left-foot kick I expect too see a harder edge to his game this year and I think he will flourish under Voss.

Matthew Leuenberger has showed plenty but must take the next step up this year.

Need To Improve

Matt Leuenberger: The big unit likened to Dean Cox is entering his 3rd season and needs to start showing a bit more. With Charman getting closer to the end of his career it is time for Matt to step up and show why he should be chief ruckman at the Lions for the next 10 years.

Jason Roe: The Lions defence was at times under siege last year and had trouble holding teams with more than one avenue to goal to under 20 goals. Roe is a big body who has shown he can play at this level. If he can double his quota of games from last year’s 11 then the backline will improve.

List Cloggers

Albert Proud: One wonders whether he and Hooper can co-exist in the same team. Hooper creates more opportunities then Proud and has a bit of the x-factor that is so important in small forwards. I think Albert might struggle to keep a place on the list.

Pat Garner: Has spent more time under the surgeon’s knife then Michael Jackson and has had another set back over Summer. Some bodies just aren’t up to the elite level. I don’t think the Lions can afford to persevere with him much longer.

What you think of Voss’ Lions in 2009?

Will the Lions see finals for the first time in 5 years? Can Voss inspire his old team and can Proud & Hooper get their act together and play a full season? Will Daniel Rich get the Rising Star award?

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