Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Oliver Caffrey

Brisbane Lions' team for the 2024 AFL grand final

Lions skipper Harris Andrews will be handed the big job of quelling Joe Daniher. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

PENPIX OF THE BRISBANE LIONS' TEAM FOR THE AFL GRAND FINAL.

BACK LINE

15. Dayne Zorko

Age: 35. Games: 276. Goals: 233. Finals: 15.

The former captain thrived when he was sent into defence to fill the void left by the injured Keidean Coleman. His bold, often risky, kicks allow the Lions to go quickly off halfback.

31. Harris Andrews

Age: 27. Games: 211. Goals: 11. Finals: 15.

One of the best big defenders in the game, the Lions co-captain is an intercept marking king who regularly has a defensive forward placed on him.

16. Conor McKenna

Age: 28. Games: 122. Goals: 27. Finals: 8.

Plagued by soft-tissue injuries early in the season, the Irishman is almost the ideal sub - quick, a long kick, and bold with possession.

HALF-BACK LINE

44. Darcy Wilmot

Age: 20. Games: 55. Goals: 6. Finals: 9

Already an experienced head despite being in just his third season. Clean, quick and makes smart decisions.

40. Jack Payne

Age: 24. Games: 67. Goals: 2. Finals: 9.

Having missed last year's decider through injury, the towering defender provides crucial support to Andrews as the second key tall. Hurt his knee in the elimination final but has bravely played on.

35. Ryan Lester

Age: 31. Games: 206. Goals: 47. Finals: 9.

Arguably the best game of his career came in the preliminary final. The popular clubman who has survived on one-year contracts has gone from VFL captain to a vital cog in defence during the last two seasons.

CENTRE LINE

28. Jaspa Fletcher

Age: 20. Games: 40. Goals: 13. Finals: 6.

Quiet on grand final day last year, but the young winger has had a knack of popping up in crucial moments this September.

8. Will Ashcroft

Age: 20. Games: 30. Goals: 10. Finals: 3.

Only got better since returning from an ACL injury that led to him missing last year's grand final. Clean, sharp and already a crucial member of the Lions' midfield.

6. Hugh McCluggage

Age: 26. Games: 181. Goals: 115. Finals: 15.

After a slow start to the season, the midfield maestro has hit top gear after signing a long-term deal to remain with the Lions. Pivotal moments in last year's grand final.

HALF-FORWARD LINE

16. Cam Rayner

Age: 24. Games: 139. Goals: 134. Finals: 12.

The 2017 No.1 draft pick has had his share of critics, but has delivered two exceptional performances in this year's finals series. Will be desperate to make up for a disappointing showing 12 months ago.

3. Joe Daniher

Age: 30. Games: 203. Goals: 393. Finals: 12.

Silenced any critics over his big-game credentials. Another terrific finals series after polling in last year's Norm Smith Medal voting. Will play a big role as a back-up ruck.

7. Jarrod Berry

Age: 26. Games: 159. Goals: 63. Finals: 15.

Another who wishes he could have some of last year's grand final back. The powerful midfielder can tag the opposition's best player, but also push forward to great effect.

FORWARD LINE

23. Charlie Cameron

Age: 30. Games: 228. Goals: 403. Finals: 22.

Not his best season, but the speedy small forward can change a game in an instant. His third grand final after last year, and another losing one with Adelaide in 2017.

30. Eric Hipwood

Age: 27. Games: 176. Goals: 261. Finals: 13.

Been dealing with groin issues recently, but Chris Fagan's faith in him has paid off during the last two finals. Has kicked 32 goals this season.

33. Zac Bailey

Age: 24. Games: 139. Goals: 143. Finals: 14.

With a sharp turn of speed, smarts around the packs, and an acute goal sense, is the complete small attacking package.  

FOLLOWERS

32. Darcy Fort.

Age: 31. Games: 35. Goals: 17. Finals: 1.

Just two AFL game this season - and none since April 25 - but the journeyman gets a go in place of the injured Oscar McInerney. Faces a mammoth task against Sydney star Brodie Grundy.

5. Josh Dunkley

Age: 27. Games: 166. Goals: 73. Finals: 17.

The only Lion who is already a premiership winner. Has drawn similarities between the Western Bulldogs' run to the 2016 flag and the current Lions group.

9. Lachie Neale

Age: 31. Games: 271. Goals. 128. Finals: 22.

The dual Brownlow medallist has barely been training recently due to a heel issue. But it hasn't stopped him from being at his prolific best once a game starts.

INTERCHANGE

1. Kai Lohmann

Age: 21. Games: 34. Goals: 33. Finals: 3.

A breakout season. An extra weapon in the Lions' forward line they didn't have last September.

4. Callum Ah Chee

Age: 26. Games: 142. Goals: 71. Finals: 11.

Creating a name for himself as Mr September. Kicked two crucial goals in the last quarter of the preliminary final. 

13. Logan Morris

Age: 19. Games: 18. Goals: 22. Finals: 3.

Wasn't even drafted when the Lions lost last year's grand final. More than held his own in a star-studded forward line.

37. Brandon Starcevich

Age: 25. Games: 117. Goals: 7. Finals: 13.

Had an outstanding finals series. The defender, who can play on smalls and talls,  is in career-best form.

43. Noah Answerth

Age: 25. Games: 70. Goals: 2. Finals: 7

Drove Dayne Zorko's dad to last year's grand final instead of playing. Had some crucial moments in the epic preliminary final win.

EMERGENCIES

22. Harry Sharp

Age: 21. Games: 16. Goals: 4. Finals: 0.

Endurance beast. Played six games this season.

25. Henry Smith

Age: 22. Games: 4. Goals: 0. Finals: 0.

Reserve ruckman who made his debut against in round 20, against Sydney.

41. Darragh Joyce

Age: 27. Games: 24. Goals: 0. Finals: 0.

Key defender who filled in when Jack Payne was injured.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.