|
|
|
The year ahead: Dons & Lions |
 |
|
by Michael Courts and Katharine Bosher | behindthegame.com.au
|
BehindTheGame previews the coming season of club's Essendon and Brisbane. The Bombers have undergone a mass make-over, while Leigh Matthews' Lions are expected to push for finals footy.
Note: For season previews of all other clubs, please see 'Columnists'.
ESSENDON
Last year
The winds of change have most certainly swept through Windy Hill in the past year. Gone are long-serving master coach/innovator/spruiker Kevin Sheedy and his protege who many consider to be the best player to pull on the black and red jumper in the clubs prestigious history, the legendary James Hird. In comes Matthew Knights as senior coach, and once again, talk around Windy Hill is abuzz with excitement of a bullish new era.
The 2007 season could best be described as a roller coaster, littered with the victorious highs and despairing lows. Inconsistent at best, the Dons transformed a less-than-impressive start to the year (3-4 after seven rounds) into one that had them destined for finals, winning four games on the trot, including back-to-back one-point wins against the previous seasons Grand Finalists, Sydney and West Coast. Unfortunately, for Bomber fans, it was all downhill from there surprise packet and barometer Alwyn Davey was ruled out for the rest of the year, the inspirational Hird's calf gave way, and Sheedy's departure date was set, inexplicably brought on by media pressure.
Strength
- Leg speed
Often regarded as Essendons Achilles heel in the closing years of the Sheedy era, it would now seem that pace has become their greatest asset. With Messrs Davey, Jetta, Lovett, Dempsey and Houli all expected to see more game time in the midfield on a rotational basis, coupled with the likes of Brent Stanton, Jason Winderlich and Mark McVeigh all of whom are certainly no slouches Essendons run-and-carry, back your skills and play on at all costs style of play could pose a significant threat to teams not so fleet-footed.
Weakness
- Defensive pressure
Despite scoring the fourth most points in the AFL last season (no mean feat for a team who narrowly avoided the bottom four), Essendon conceded an average of over 108 points per game last season, which was a record equal to those sides in the bottom four. If Essendon are to improve, they require to be placing increased levels of pressure on the opposing side when they don't have possession, and scrapping the unaccountable style that has dogged them since the glory years of 1999-2001.
Key player
- Alwyn Davey
In the space of thirteen and a bit games, Aaron's younger brother stepped out of SANFL anonymity to become, despite his small stature, one of the AFL's most dangerous players, even without the ball. His speed, tough-tackling, goal kicking sense and defensive pressure caused opposition coaches to sit up and take notice of the man they call 'Froggy', who quickly proved to be the steal of the 2006 draft and Essendon's performance barometer.
Rookie to watch
- Courtenay Dempsey
Not a rookie per se, but this previously unheralded lad lit up the MCG in his solitary Essendon performance last season in the Hird and Sheedy farewell match, before his hamstring tore for the fourth time in a season while dashing into an open goal (and subsequently missing). He has all the qualities of an Aboriginal star: evasive pace, finesse, poise and with an earmarking to play as a running half-back flank, watch out for this kid.
Verdict
Considered by many tipsters as the hardest team to slot into a predicted ladder for 2008, it promises to be yet another wild ride for Bomber fans. Can the youngsters bodies stand up to a full season of AFL football? Can an aging yet still brilliant spine of Michael, Fletcher, Lloyd and Lucas combine with a fresh injection of youth in Houli, Jetta, Dempsey and Remiers, and clinch a spot in the finals? Can the much critiqued midfield finally stand up and be counted? Strap yourselves in for 2008.
BRISBANE LIONS
Last year
After the retirement of Captain Michael Voss, the loss of defender Mal Michael - to another club - and Daniel Bradshaw to injury, the Lions managed to finish 10th on the ladder. Finals hopes were still alive after impressive wins against West Coast and Collingwood late in the season, but the Queenslanders fell just short.
Jonathon Brown made his return and managed to see out an injury free season, as well as finishing a remarkable season with 77 goals, which scored him the Coleman Medal. The dominant forward not only gave high hopes to the club but to the supporters as well, after he took home the club’s best and fairest.
Strength
- Tackling
One of the Brisbane Lions' most reknowned strengths is their tackling. Last season they ranked equal second, along side the Cats, for the most tackles. Jed Adcock, who improved drastically throughout the season, topped the Lions list, finishing with 109 tackles. Michael Rischitelli followed closely behind with 99 tackles.
Weakness
- Inexperience
With a number of veterans having retired, inexperience may have been one of the main factors of the clubs disappointing last three seasons. Whilst the club is still in the re-building phase, the club only has 9 players who have over 100 games under their belt, including veterans Nigel Lappin and Simon Black. Currently 26 players on the senior list have played less than 50 games each. Although these young players are constantly improving their game, and Simon Black and Jonathon are running on Brownlow medal form, the season will be a significant test for the young brigade.
Key Players
- Jonathon Brown
After completing an injury free season and winning the Coleman medal in 2007, Jonathon Brown is in hot form. The dominant forward has been rested for the majority of the pre-season matches and is hungry for success. Whilst being amongst the favourites to take out the Brownlow medal this year, expect a bigger and even better season from the co-captain.
- Travis Johnstone
After having been traded from Melbourne, starting out at a new club ma just be what Travis Johnstone, as well as his former club Melbourne, needs. The silky smooth skills of Johnstone will be greatly appreciated amongst the midfield, helping with the quick-thinking speed of the modern game. Whilst playing along side Black, Lappin, Power and co the midfielder is raring to go and keen to impress.
Rookie to watch
- Matthew Leuenberger
Picked at no. 4 in the 2006 Draft, he is a highly rated ruckman who can cover ground quickly and win plenty of the ball. Standing at 203cm tall, he has a great kick, mobility and flexibility which has likened him to West Coast's Dean Cox and Collingwood's Josh Fraser. He can excel at stoppages and push forward to kick goals. After Beau McDonald retired, the spot is now open for Leuenberger to play alongside Jamie Charman, so expect to see him take the field regularly this season.
Verdict
Despite the inexperience of the side, Leigh Matthews is determined to get his team back into finals action in 2008. With the right game plan and strategies, finishing inside that top 8 goal is not out of the question for the developing young Lions. |
|
|
|
|
|
