Get around my Preview of the Premiership winning Brisbane Lions. with a bit of insight from the great man DR.
The Lock
Hugh Mc Gluggage ( Mid ) $646.300
Brisbane have a wealth of Premium midfields, but it was Hugh’s year in 2025. Not only was he the highest scoring Midfielder, he was 3rd for total points, Behind the great Max Gawn and the fast finishing Brodie Grundy. 9 scores over 125 ( 3 over 150 ) made him a very reliable captains option. he also had a very high floor, with only 3 sub tons 2 x 80’s and an 88. The only real flags are.. Now the two timing Brownlow medalist is getting on a bit, will the tag start going to Hugh ? It’s a big price to pay , but he could be worth the outlay.
The Dark Horse
Sam Draper( Fwd/Ruck ) $396.600
There’s so many questions around this pick, yet I still see him in a heap of early drafts this pre season, mine included. Draper was an early draft pick with a heap of raw talent. Can you believe 2026 will be his 10th year in the AFL system ? Before last year he never really averaged much over 75. Then he finally seemed to find his place, and he was cut down by injury. he averaged 95 for those 5 games. Now 95+ for a ruck / Forward that you pop at D6 for the year could be an amazing pick. It might not be that simple though. Will he get the number one ruck role ? He may have to share early days. Does the 5 man interchange mean they ease him in with low time on ground ? He’s a massive watch in the preseason games. I do sleep better knowing I’ve got ruck cover. Though I’m not sure I’d want him at ruck 2 seems a tad risky.
The Breakout
Jasper Fletcher ( Def ) $474.300
God I love how this kid plays the game. Solid in Defense, a courageous mark and sublime kicking skills, Jasper has it all and he’s only 21. There will come a time when he’s in nearly all our Supercoach sides. I had him pencilled in as a 2026 starter, then I began to wonder am I year too early ? Coleman finally looks fit, and Zorko is like Benjamin freakin Button. The Lions have also lost the highly underrated Brandon Starcevich to West Coast. Will Jasper be need to lock down occasionally ? Time will tell, but keep an eye on Jasper, because he’s got all the Skills needed of a Premium Defender.
Daniel Annable (Mid ) $181.00
The Lions matched the bid for pick 6 for this kid in last year’s draft. Honestly these northern academy kids have some serious talent. Daniel averaged 24.8 touches, 4.3 clearances and 3.8 tackles for the Allies in the national chaps. He also finished 10th in the 2km time trial at the draft combine. His best position is inside mid, but his running ability could see him start out on the wing. Similar to Levi Ashcroft last year, Annandale has the potential to be a great cash earner for us in 2026. His elevated price may put a few folks off , but this kid was one of the best accumulators in the draft, so keep an eye on team sheets . If he’s named on the wing, or even one of the flanks, he’s straight in my side.
This format doesn’t really allow me explore all the relevant players for each side, so feel free to let me know who you like from the Brisbane Lions
See ya in the comments section.
Cheers FT.
Keep an eye on Linc McCarthy during the pre-season. Was by all reports close to pushing for an early return from his ACL late last year but fitness staff shut it down, so he should be having a full pre-season. Was never the most prolific scorer, but also weirdly had the stat at one time in 2024 (I think) of having the most scoring chain involvements. With Ah Chee gone, there’ll be a role for him if he’s able to grab it back – was a best 22 player before last year. Treat as a rookie and hope for a $150K increase.
Bruce Reville is an underpriced, if not awkwardly priced option as a MID @ 241K. Logged 13 games and was the starting sub in 4 of those games, and was subbed out in another 3. Keep an eye on if he gets the Starcevich role and what that means for his numbers. Could be a sneaky option of you have a weird amount of cash in the bank during your team build.
I also really like Fletcher, but yeah, role could have a say whether he stays in my team.
The likes of Ashcroft x 2, McCluggage might do OK but with Lions draw taking all three is too high a risk. Will Neale be on his game with all the media attention, might give more points to the other mid fielders.