The Lions had one of the most interesting off-seasons, losing key member Joe Daniher to a shock retirement but gaining young guns Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall in a strong draft haul.
After an impressive season in 2024 where they won the flag, there is no question that they will be a strong team, but will their heroics of 2024 be repeated?
One key issue that the Lions have is key forward depth after losing their main man Daniher.
Daniher was such an important player, not just as a key forward target but also as a connecting piece higher up the ground allowing the Lions defence to set with strong contested marks up near the wing. Not only that but Daniher was mightily impressive in the ruck when Oscar McInerney was out.
In the grand final he kicked two goals but also chimed in with an impressive eight marks, 16 touches and two goal assists. The scoreboard impact he had won’t be the only things the Lions will miss, but the other smaller details he brought to this team.
The logical replacement for Daniher is Logan Morris to play in a more featured role in the forward line with the Lions third tall being either Darcy Gardiner who has played most of his career in defence or the inexperienced four-gamer Henry Smith.
While Morris has played well in his young career, it is a massive jump to take the role of Daniher, and he shouldn’t be expected to replicate the same production that Daniher was capable of. Their key forwards however shouldn’t be needed to dominate games if their midfield is.
The Lions have one of the most stacked midfields which has just got even stronger in the draft. With the likes of Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft already being proven stars at the level there will be limited opportunities in the middle of the ground, but whoever does get those opportunities will be young and exciting.
Ashcroft was the fifth pick in the 2025 AFL draft but would have been No.1 if not already being tied to the Lions. He was dominant in juniors and if there is any comparison to his junior career already in the AFL it would be Nick Daicos.
Even if he is hurt to start the year it will be hard to keep him out of the AFL side when he returns, and don’t be surprised if he is a guaranteed best 22 when healthy.
Sam Marshall is another player who was tied to the Lions and probably would’ve been drafted higher than 25 if he was available for all the teams. Another dominant mid the Lions are stacked in that department, and if any injuries do occur they will have ample depth to be able to cover with genuine AFL level players.
Getting the likes of Keidean Coleman, Lincoln McCarthy and Tom Doedee back early in the season also will immensely improve their depth and give them almost too many options, good luck Chris Fagan.
With the Lions having a stacked list and incredible experience and young talent, there should be little doubt that the Lions will be a force to be reckoning with come finals time.
2024 Season Outcome – Premiership
2025 Predicted Outcome – Deep finals run / Premiership
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