Brisbane Lions: AFL 2024 Predictions, Projections and Player Movement

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: Thu 15 Feb 2024 10:31

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Ryan Tucker 15 Feb 2024

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Expected to finish 3rd in the AFL 2024 season
While the Lions were the most kick-happy team in 2023, their low handballing rate could pose challenges.
The Brisbane Lions boast a strong line-up and are one of the most balanced teams.

Lachie Neale of the Lions (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

AFL 2024 Team Previews, Predictions & Player Movement: Brisbane Lions

Where they finish: 3rd in the AFL in 2024

AFL 2024 Team Previews, Predictions & Player Movement: Brisbane Lions
Where they finish: 3rd in the AFL in 2024
What’s to like
What’s NOT to like
Brisbane Lions Offseason Player Movement
Brisbane Lions Predicted Round 1 Squad

There is no doubt in my mind the Lions will be at the top of the ladder again in 2024 pushing for a spot in the Big Dance. It is going to be congested at the pointy end of the season with multiple teams all predicted to land on similar win percentages. Whether a team is lucky or unlucky with injuries and bounce of the ball could determine 1st to 4th.

What’s to like

They are a great team and they know it. The Lions came agonisingly close to winning it all in 2023, their main squad has not changed dramatically and the players will be hungry to avenge their Grand Final loss.

The Lions were the most kick-happy team in 2023 averaging 222.9 kicks/game. All teams that ranked high in this category had winning seasons and hints at a playing style which relies on creating space and using it. The Lions were by far and away the best team getting the ball out of contests with 1098 clearances on the year, the only team to go over 3 digits.

What’s NOT to like

Brisbane don’t run with the ball. So if the opposition can control the game and get their defence to pressure the contests the Lions have trouble getting on top. They were one of the teams with the lowest rate of handballs and highest rates of Contested Possessions.

Outside of those statistics there isn’t too much negative to say about Brisbane who have a strong and balanced squad. The loss of Daniel Rich could have been much worse if they didn’t already have to learn to live without him during the 2023 season.

Brisbane Lions Offseason Player Movement

Tom Doedee (free agent, Adelaide), Luke Lloyd (No.42 draft pick), Logan Morris (No.31 draft pick), Bruce Reville (Category B rookie, Academy), Brandon Ryan (trade, Hawthorn), Reece Torrent (No.64 draft pick), Zane Zakostelsky (No.51 draft pick)

OUT

Marcus Adams (retired), Nakia Cockatoo (retired), Blake Coleman (delisted), Tom Fullarton (trade, Melbourne), Jack Gunston (trade, Hawthorn), Rhys Mathieson (delisted), Darryl McDowell-White jnr (delisted), Daniel Rich (retired)

Brisbane Lions Predicted Round 1 Squad

Full Back	Brandon Starcevich	Harris Andrews	Ryan Lester
Half Back	Conor McKenna	Jack Payne	Keidean Coleman
Centre	Zac Bailey	Josh Dunkley	Jarrod Berry
Half Forward	Dayne Zorko	Eric Hipwood	Cam Rayner
Full Forward	Charlie Cameron	Joe Daniher	Lincoln McCarthy
Followers	Oscar McInerney	Lachie Neale	Hugh McCluggage
Interchange	Deven Robertson	Darcy Wilmot	Callum Ah Chee
	Jaspa Flecther	Kai Lohmann (sub)