WITH the 2021 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (November 24/25), clubs have had the opportunity to exchange picks with the final order formed just over a week out. While the chaos settles, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope are the Brisbane Lions, who boast two first round selections and can bolster a couple of key areas of their squad.

CURRENT PICKS: 14, 18, 41, 60, 76, 90

2022 PICKS: BRI Round 1, BRI Round 2, PTA Round 3, BRI Round 4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON COMBINE INVITEES:

Nil.

LIST NEEDS:

+ Rebound runners
+ Key position depth

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 14)

Brisbane is in a great position with two late first round picks, though it may see a few options off the board by the time pick 14 has slid down to 16. Depending on who is available, the Lions will likely target a player for each of their needs, and can certainly do so without reaching for players who suit them.

Vic Metro teammates Josh Sinn and Josh Goater would match Brisbane’s want for some speed and size, with both capable of either rebounding off half-back or jetting through midfield. Sinn arguably suits the need for a half-back more and will likely start his career there, while Goater is a true utility with enormous athletic upside. Arlo Draper is another in the mix, a classy midfielder-forward who promises a point of difference.

Should the Lions go tall with pick 14, they may hope Jye Amiss slips past the West Australian clubs. He booted 50.15 at WAFL Colts level and is nothing short of prolific inside 50, making him one of the premier key forward options within the top 20.

State teammate Jacob van Rooyen is perhaps the more realistic option and should be on the board at that stage, though is a chance to also get through to Brisbane’s next pick. The Lions could do with key position depth at either end of the ground and the Claremont product suits that given his swingman capabilities.

REMAINING CROP:

Depending on what Brisbane does with its first pick, its other first-rounder could be used to bring in a best available talent or suit another need. The likes of Tom Brown and Campbell Chesser will likely be on the board, and Darcy Wilmot is a chance to slide through. All three are dashers out of defence or on the outside who can inject speed straight away.

The Lions may also jump at a tall, though not many are set to feature in that range. Rhett Bazzo is arguably the only one who may tempt the Lions that early, an intercept marking tall defender who can also pinch-hit forward. As for their remaining hand, the Lions could add their key position depth later on with mature-agers or raw talents, but can also look to bolster their 2022 hand with father-son gun Will Ashcroft coming through as a potential top-fiver.

Three picks looks about right for Brisbane overall, and while there is a rather even crop of academy talent to choose from, they look unlikely to feature within the National Draft intake.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Which of Brisbane’s needs will it address first?
> Will Brisbane target a key position player in the first round?
> Will Brisbane trade late to bolster its 2022 hand?