TWO-TIME reigning premiers Brisbane Lions added yet another club-tied gun to their ranks at the draft, while going on to package up two West Australians and a mature-age choice out of Southport. It’s part of the reason why many feel the Queensland club is destined to turn its two-peat into a dynasty.

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DRAFT HAUL

NATIONAL DRAFT:
6. Daniel Annable
38. Koby Evans
43. Cody Curtin
44. Tai Hayes

ROOKIE DRAFT:
Lincoln McCarthy (re-listed)

>> CLICK each player’s names for full profiles & highlights

Brisbane ensured it would be ready to match an early bid for academy star Daniel Annable, and doing so at pick six was a great result. Some have fielded the notion that he could have been part of the Lions’ premiership success if eligible this year, impacting like the Ashcroft brothers before him.

National Recruiting Manager Stephen Conole maintains there are “no guarantees” regarding a walk-up spot for Annable, though the Lions are stoked with his profile and junior resume. A clean and competitive inside ball winner, he hardly plays a bad game and has proven capable of impacting on the attack.

With one academy prospect brought in, another was left to join another club as Collingwood called out Tyan Prindable with pick 32. Conole referenced the Lions’ need to add depth in other positions and having a few too many players ahead of the midfielder at that point, resulting in the unmatched bid.

Though, the yin and yang of draft time saw Brisbane end up with one of West Coast’s academy talents in Koby Evans. The powerful mid-forward missed much off his top-age campaign through injury, but has tremendous upside. The Lions parted with a future third round pick to secure number 38 off Carlton.

Not matching the Prindable bid meant Brisbane was also able to retain its consecutive picks in the 40s. Cody Curtin was the first name called out, a key position utility who can play in each third of the ground. The brother of Dan is a fierce competitor with strong aerial assets and readymade physical attributes.

Brisbane then identified the wing as a position of need, and duly secured Southport’s Tai Hayes. The nephew of St Kilda champion Lenny had a breakout season in the VFL this year, showcasing his running capacity and ability to drift forward. Hayes’ left-foot kicking is also considered a great weapon.

GRADE: B

Bringing in essentially one of the draft’s best six players after winning a flag is always going to be a great result. The Lions were well aware of how it would unfold and prepared early, before overlooking more academy talent to prioritise list needs. The WA package of Curtin and Evans brings a hard edge and physicality to match where Brisbane is at, while Hayes covers a direct need on the wing. Overall, an above-average haul fronted by Annable, featuring a shrewd live trade, and with a focus on the now.