welsh
30 Dec 2005, 18:47
Jed Adcock: Enjoyed an outstanding second season at AFL level and might well have deserved to finish higher than fifth in the Rising Star award. Took on and beat some of the league's best small forwards - including Gary Ablett, Adem Yze and Phil Matera (twice) - and had plenty of the ball himself. Played all 22 games in spite of niggling groin problems and was eighth on the Lions' disposals list for the season.
Jason Akermanis: Enjoyed perhaps his most consistent season in the AFL - including his 2001 Brownlow year - until hampered by hamstring problems late in the winter. Had 20 or more possessions in 13 of his 21 appearance, including back-to-back hauls of 35 and 27 in his "Perfect 10" performances against Geelong and Melbourne in Rounds 13 and 14. Kicked five goals in each of those games, including two contenders for goal-of-the-year against the Cats.
Marcus Allan: Troubled by a hip flexor problem early in the season but was a key contributor for the Suncoast Lions as the year wore on. Intelligent and clever in the clinches, the small midfielder's finishing instincts are also first-rate.
Jayden Attard: Got an earlier than expected taste of AFL action against Hawthorn in Round 4, retaining his spot for the Round 5 meeting with West Coast. After an impressive beginning, he probably hit the first year "wall" midway through the season but deserves credit for bouncing back to strong form in the AFLQ's latter qualifying rounds. Displayed pace, strength and a penetrating left foot kick.
Travis Baird: A real recruiting boon for the Lions in 2005, after being the only non-Victorian taken in last December's rookie draft. Started the year in key defence for the Suncoast Lions, before making the transition to full-forward and eventually the midfield. It was his work as an on-baller that led to him being elevated to the senior list when Martin Pike went down with a long-term injury. Played two senior matches, kicking an excellent 45m goal on debut against Hawthorn in Round 19.
Simon Black: Had a slightly frustrating year after missing the first three matches with suspension but was still a highly valuable contributor. Had more than 20 possessions in 12 of his 18 outings and may well have added to that tally, had he not being hit by a severe corked calf late in the season. Led the Lions in hard ball gets with 67, at an average of almost four per game.
Daniel Bradshaw: Topped the Lions' goalkicking list with 42.21 in a season where delivery to the forward line was not always a strength. Had several standout performances, including a club-record nine-goal haul against Melbourne in Round 14 and a superb stopping job at centre-half-back against Carlton's Lance Whitnall in Round 12. Played his 150th AFL game against Geelong in Round 13.
Jared Brennan: Started the season like the proverbial house on fire but missed most of the year with a troublesome quad injury. Kicked four goals in the Round 1 win over St Kilda but did not return to AFL ranks until Round 19 - the result of a quad strain that dished out several setbacks on the comeback trail. Showed enough in Round 1 to suggest he will live up to his exciting potential in years to come.
Jonathan Brown: Had an odd season in which he established himself as one of the AFL's most influential players, before being cruelly struck down by osteitis pubis. Did not play until Round 6 because of suspension, but came back against Essendon with a phenomenal eight-goal, 20-possession, 14-mark display. Was close to, if not best afield in another three games (several of them in a revolutionary midfield move) and was shaping as a real Brownlow fancy until the osteitis hit. Missed three of the final four rounds, then had an adductor release in the last week of the season.
Jamie Charman: Another to be frustrated by a combination of suspension and injury in 2005. The mobile ruckman was suspended in Round 1, then fractured a leg in Round 4 upon his return. His bids to get back in the senior side were unsuccessful until Round 15 - the result of a minor infection setback, the form of those above him and untimely AFLQ byes. Provided much-needed bouncedown muscle and physical presence once he returned - maybe a touch too much of the latter, because another one-match suspension was earned against Hawthorn in Round 19. Had a shoulder reconstruction this week but will be itching to go again come 2006.
Robert Copeland: Followed the pattern of many of his teammates by copping an injury just as he appeared to be running into some form. The run-with player didn't see too much of the ball in the early rounds and was dropped back to AFLQ level in Round 11 to regain his best touch. Seemed to be on the right track with a fine stopping job on Geelong's Paul Chapman in Round 13, only to suffer a dislocated elbow in the dying moments of a big win. Returned to the seniors in Round 20 and finished the season solidly.
Anthony Corrie: Finished fifth in the Lions' goalkicking for 2005 with 22 - testament to his transformation from running half-back flanker to defensive-minded goal-sneak. Will be even better with another full season under his belt, particularly if the key forward likes of Jonathan Brown are in the line-up week-in, week-out. Picked up the Round 17 Rising Star nomination after a match-breaking four-goal haul against Essendon.
Josh Drummond: With fellow defender Jed Adock, was the revelation of 2005. Began the season on the rookie list, earned his elevation with a succession of standout performances and then never looked back. Played 14 of a possible 15 games after his promotion (missing one through injury) and would have featured prominently in the Rising Star award had he not been too old to be eligible. Might not be the most athletic player in the competition but is smart, reads the play very well, has the motor to run off his opponent and kicks with exceptional vision, depth and intelligence.
Luke Forsyth: Arrived via the 2004 National Draft having missed most of last year with osteitis pubis and was again severely hampered by the groin problem this year. Did not play a game until late in the season and even after he made his 2005 debut for the Suncoast Lions, the injury problems still limited him. Showed some glimpses of ability, especially with his disposal, in restricted on-field time but, suffice to say, will hope to be more involved in 2006.
Pat Garner: At 194cm and 75kg, Garner was never likely to be physically AFL-ready in 2005 after being taken with the No. 27 pick in last year's National Draft. But he did display enough impressive signs for the Suncoast Lions in the AFLQ to indicate he will one day be a good key position option - or even a midfielder with his athleticism and skills. Has a nice set of hands, both in attack and defence, and has no worries with distance on set shots at goal, kicking several from the 50m mark at the Gabba.
Richard Hadley: Shaped as a crucial midfield option before the campaign's start, only to tear the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in the final pre-season match against Richmond. Subsequently missed all of 2005 following a knee reconstruction, but was almost fit enough to return by seasons' end and will be fit and raring to go in 2006. Had resumed full training by the finish of winter and the tall midfielder will be like a new recruit next season.
Will Hamill: The tall former Queensland under 18 captain impressed with the Suncoast Lions this year, displaying pace and versatility. Has the ability to play as a defender or a rangy midfielder and was one of the Lions' best in their valiant elimination final defeat at the hands of Broadbeach.
Scott Harding: With Travis Baird and Marcus Allan, the best of the Lions' rookie crop in 2005. Made his senior State debut against WA, then followed that with another fine display in a Queensland jumper against NSW/ACT. Has pace to burn and a knack for finding the ball but it is his improved disposals skills for the Suncoast Lions that made him a standout this year. Looks capable of measuring up at AFL level.
Chris Johnson: Some Lions may have been more periodically brilliant than the dashing defender in 2005, but very few - if any - of his teammates were more consistent this season. Sidestepped the injury curse that claimed many of his comrades to play all 22 games and stake a valid claim for an All-Australian berth. Seems likely to factor heavily in the Lions' annual Club Champion polling and was at his sublime best in an eyecatching 22-possesion, 15-mark outing against Collingwood in Round 15.
Clark Keating: The Lions' traditional spring bloomer seemed to be stepping to the fore a little earlier than usual, before back spasms unexpectedly ended his season after Round 18. When the Lions won six of seven games between Rounds 11 and 17, Keating was an invaluable contributor, exceeding 20 hitouts on two occasions and averaging 15 per match. Turns 30 in 2006 but is still a more than capable ruckman - particularly given another year to adapt to new ruck rules.
Nigel Lappin:: The unassuming and much-respected veteran could have gone close to back-to-back Club Champion awards, were it not for the knee tendonitis that sidelined him for three games mid-season and the broken leg that ended his year in Round 20. In his 16 appearances, Lapping exceeded 20 touches on 10 occasions and averaged a team-high 23 per game. His 250th game, played in Round 13 against Geelong, was one of the more popular milestones of the campaign.
Justin Leppitsch: No-one, it seems, was immune to the injury plague this year and it cost the vice-captain and centre-half-back the last eight games of the season - having missed none before that. Leppitsch was only two weeks off a dominant 25-touch, nine-mark performance against Geelong when hit by back problems that would derail his campaign. Averaged 16 possession, six marks and five rebounds from the defensive 50 in the 14 games that he did play.
Tom Logan: Selected in the 2003 National Draft, the nuggety and courageous Northern Territory product finally made his debut against Port Adelaide in Round 2 and went on to play three games for the year - the last coming in Round 18 against the Bulldogs. In between, there was a shoulder dislocation that kept him out of action for more than two months and which eventually required a reconstruction last week. A standout at AFLQ level and will be hoping to have an uninterrupted campaign with more opportunities in 2006.
Joel Macdonald: The 2004 rookie-list elevation added to his nine games of last year with a further 18 in 2005, many of them in the familiar role of a running defender. But the 21-year-old also showed good versatility, filling in as an undersized centre-half-back on occasions and as a free-wheeling half-forward flanker on others. Missed the last three games with a hamstring problem.
Beau McDonald: Light at the end of the tunnel now beckons for the previously on-the-up ruckman - out of action since Round 14 of 2003 because of posterior cruciate problems in his knee. Has resumed full training and will dedicate the off-season to being right to go in 2006, a prospect Lions fans would truly look forward to. His 203cm frame would be most handy around the stoppages.
Ashley McGrath: Cemented his spot in the first-choice 22 as a specialist goalsneak, kicking more goals in general play than any other player in the competition. Finished with 35.15 for the season, second only to Daniel Bradshaw at the Lions and twice kicked five in a game - against Richmond in Round 10 and Hawthorn in Round 19. Equally as impressive were his efforts in chasing and keeping pressure on inside the forward 50m, inheriting the role once played by Craig McRae.
Dylan McLaren: The effervescent big man is never found wanting for effort and continued his steady improvement in 2005. Played 17 games to go with his 19 in 2004, doing whatever was required of him - playing as a slightly undersize ruckman mainly, but also filling in as a key defender (a role he knew well from his junior days). Finished the season impressively and was also an eye-catcher whenever he returned to AFLQ ranks.
Daniel Merrett: A breakthrough season for the big red-head, who was taken with the No. 30 pick of the 2002 National Draft as a "project" player. Debuted against Port Adelaide in Round 2, played another senior game against Sydney, then returned to the reserves for a stint. Forced his way back into the senior side through sheer weight of goals and ended up playing 10 straight games. Shows a lot of potential as a marking forward/backup ruckman and kicked 13 goals for the season.
Mal Michael: Was again shunned when the All-Australian team was announced but had another sterling season at full-back - rarely lowering his colours and playing all 22 games, despite suffering a compound dislocation of a finger in Round 20. Finished equal top with Jed Adock in rebounds from the defensive 50m (66) and beat Fraser Gehrig, Matthew Lloyd and David Neitz at various stages of the season.
Matthew Moody: After being named as an emergency six times in 2004, the WA product finally got his chance in the seniors in the Round 6 win over Essendon - having impressed as a goalsneak for the Suncoast Lions in the early stages of the year. He went on to add another five games - picking up double-figure possessions in two of them - and developed into a creative, run-with defender in the AFLQ system. Had the better of Southport's goal-kicking ace Ben McEntee in one game late in the season.
Tim Notting: Spent a week in the reserves after a quiet Round 4 outing against Hawthorn but, for the remainder of the year, was a consistent possession-winner for the Lions, playing mainly on the wing. Topped the 20-mark on seven occasions and averaged 16 per game, as contributing 14 goals for the season. Finished seventh in the Lions' best-and-fairest in the premiership year of 2001 and may well match or better that result this year.
Marty Pask:: The Western Magpies product earned his shot on the Lions rookie list with his whole-hearted approach - and he did not let anyone down for the Suncoast Lions this season. Started the year as a centre-half-forward/full-forward and by the end of it was a highly solid key defender. Never lacking in energy or enthusiasm.
Martin Pike: Father Time finally caught up with the four-time premiership player in 2005 - in the shape of a chronic groin injury that forced him onto the long-term injury list and, eventually, into retirement. Played nine games to take his career tally to 247. Will be fondly remembered at the Gabba and was afforded a lap of honour at the season's final home game.
Luke Power: Missed two games mid-season with a broken hand but still managed to top the Lions' disposal count in another super-consistent season. Just does not appear to play a poor game in any of his several positions - midfield, defence or forward line - and missed amassing 20 possessions in only six of his 20 appearances. Averaged 22 disposals per game and has indicated he wants to say at the club beyond 2005.
Michael Rischitelli: Injuries limited his development but the tough-tackling utility still found the time to catch the eye in 2005. Was called up for his second senior game against Essendon in Round 6 but a quad injury at training the following week cost him more than two months. Upon his return through the reserves, his willingness to tackle and play physical football were impressive and culminated him playing in playing Rounds 18 and 22 in the seniors.
Leigh Ryswyk: Was brought into the senior side to make his AFL debut on the wide open expanses of Subiaco Oval against Fremantle in Round 11, but was one of several Lions to succumb to a quad injury (sustained late in that match). Spent six weeks on the sidelines but returned to AFLQ action, where his running ability was again to the fore.
Brad Scott: Like his twin brother Chris, the Lions tagger will undoubtedly be hoping for more luck in 2006. Missed the first three games with an ankle problem, then played the next nine straight before being squeezed out of the senior side for Round 13. Resumed after just the one week in the AFLQ and played another eight straight before a hamstring strain - sadly, in his 150th game - ended his season. Was 14th on the Lions' list of disposals, at an average of 12 per game.
Chris Scott: Began the season in solid fashion, often playing as a forward and kicking eight goals over Rounds 5 and 6. Was squeezed out of the senior side after Round 9 and it was nine weeks before he earned a recall - the legacy of a three-match AFLQ suspension and hand surgery. Played the last four games of the season in the top team, gathering 10 or more possessions in three of them.
Troy Selwood: Like fellow 2002 draftee Daniel Merrett, Selwood made a long-awaited debut in 2005, in his case in Round 1 against St Kilda. Ended up playing 17 of a possible 22 games in the seniors and proved himself in several tough tagging roles - most notably against Paul Hasleby (Fremantle), Jimmy Bartel (Geelong), Nick Stevens (Carlton) and Travis Johnstone (Melbourne). Was the Rising Star nominee for Round 15, the week before his younger twin Adam got the same gong playing for West Coast (against the Lions).
Justin Sherman: Few true first-year players play 19 games in their debut season and even fewer manage to do so with the consistency of Sherman. The Tasmanian, taken with the No. 45 pick of last November's National Draft, played his way into the senior side for the Round 4 meeting with Hawthorn and did enough to retain his spot for the rest of the season. Had double-figure possessions in all but two of his appearances, was the Rising Star nominee for Round 6 and showed plenty of pace and an eye for goal.
Llane Spaanderman: The Western Australian big man, taken with the 18th pick of the 2003 draft, continues to develop steadily with the Suncoast Lions. He added new strings to his bow in 2005 by alternating between a key forward position and centre-half-back and made his AFL debut as a late inclusion against Essendon in Round 6. Made two further senior appearances, against Sydney (Round 20) and Port Adelaide (21) and did some promising things.
Michael Voss: Imagine what the skipper might have been able to achieve in 2005 had he not suffered a severely cut calf in a domestic accident prior to the Round 2 clash with Port Adelaide! Complications from that injury limited Voss through the first half of the season but after that he was superb, exceeding 20 touches in nine of the last 12 matches. When the Lions' finals charge ran out of steam, Voss was still motoring away picking up 77 possessions over the last three matches. Will be a strong candidate for a sixth Club Champion award..
Darryl White: Brought down the curtain on an entertaining 268-game career that netted three premierships and a multitude of highlights. Like Chris Johnson, White was named in the Indigenous Team of the Century mid-year - but didn't enjoy the same good fortune as his defensive colleague in 2005. Broke a rib playing in the reserves in mid-April and it was almost three months before he returned to the senior side. Earned the right to have a Telstra Dome Round 22 swansong with a nine-goal haul against Mt Gravatt for the Suncoast Lions at the Gabba and, in an otherwise forgettable night for club, was serviceable in the mauling by St Kilda. Had 15 possessions and eight marks to cap off a fine career.
Cameron Wood: Made only one senior appearance - against West Coast in Round 5 - after being selected with the No. 18 pick of the 2004 National Draft, but there was plenty to like about Wood's 2005. At just 18 years of age, the 204cm giant led the Suncoast Lions' ruck throughout the winter and his skills, athleticism, savvy around the stoppages and willingness to learn were most noticeable. A definite player of the future and could be the Lions' number one ruckman for the next decade.
Jason Akermanis: Enjoyed perhaps his most consistent season in the AFL - including his 2001 Brownlow year - until hampered by hamstring problems late in the winter. Had 20 or more possessions in 13 of his 21 appearance, including back-to-back hauls of 35 and 27 in his "Perfect 10" performances against Geelong and Melbourne in Rounds 13 and 14. Kicked five goals in each of those games, including two contenders for goal-of-the-year against the Cats.
Marcus Allan: Troubled by a hip flexor problem early in the season but was a key contributor for the Suncoast Lions as the year wore on. Intelligent and clever in the clinches, the small midfielder's finishing instincts are also first-rate.
Jayden Attard: Got an earlier than expected taste of AFL action against Hawthorn in Round 4, retaining his spot for the Round 5 meeting with West Coast. After an impressive beginning, he probably hit the first year "wall" midway through the season but deserves credit for bouncing back to strong form in the AFLQ's latter qualifying rounds. Displayed pace, strength and a penetrating left foot kick.
Travis Baird: A real recruiting boon for the Lions in 2005, after being the only non-Victorian taken in last December's rookie draft. Started the year in key defence for the Suncoast Lions, before making the transition to full-forward and eventually the midfield. It was his work as an on-baller that led to him being elevated to the senior list when Martin Pike went down with a long-term injury. Played two senior matches, kicking an excellent 45m goal on debut against Hawthorn in Round 19.
Simon Black: Had a slightly frustrating year after missing the first three matches with suspension but was still a highly valuable contributor. Had more than 20 possessions in 12 of his 18 outings and may well have added to that tally, had he not being hit by a severe corked calf late in the season. Led the Lions in hard ball gets with 67, at an average of almost four per game.
Daniel Bradshaw: Topped the Lions' goalkicking list with 42.21 in a season where delivery to the forward line was not always a strength. Had several standout performances, including a club-record nine-goal haul against Melbourne in Round 14 and a superb stopping job at centre-half-back against Carlton's Lance Whitnall in Round 12. Played his 150th AFL game against Geelong in Round 13.
Jared Brennan: Started the season like the proverbial house on fire but missed most of the year with a troublesome quad injury. Kicked four goals in the Round 1 win over St Kilda but did not return to AFL ranks until Round 19 - the result of a quad strain that dished out several setbacks on the comeback trail. Showed enough in Round 1 to suggest he will live up to his exciting potential in years to come.
Jonathan Brown: Had an odd season in which he established himself as one of the AFL's most influential players, before being cruelly struck down by osteitis pubis. Did not play until Round 6 because of suspension, but came back against Essendon with a phenomenal eight-goal, 20-possession, 14-mark display. Was close to, if not best afield in another three games (several of them in a revolutionary midfield move) and was shaping as a real Brownlow fancy until the osteitis hit. Missed three of the final four rounds, then had an adductor release in the last week of the season.
Jamie Charman: Another to be frustrated by a combination of suspension and injury in 2005. The mobile ruckman was suspended in Round 1, then fractured a leg in Round 4 upon his return. His bids to get back in the senior side were unsuccessful until Round 15 - the result of a minor infection setback, the form of those above him and untimely AFLQ byes. Provided much-needed bouncedown muscle and physical presence once he returned - maybe a touch too much of the latter, because another one-match suspension was earned against Hawthorn in Round 19. Had a shoulder reconstruction this week but will be itching to go again come 2006.
Robert Copeland: Followed the pattern of many of his teammates by copping an injury just as he appeared to be running into some form. The run-with player didn't see too much of the ball in the early rounds and was dropped back to AFLQ level in Round 11 to regain his best touch. Seemed to be on the right track with a fine stopping job on Geelong's Paul Chapman in Round 13, only to suffer a dislocated elbow in the dying moments of a big win. Returned to the seniors in Round 20 and finished the season solidly.
Anthony Corrie: Finished fifth in the Lions' goalkicking for 2005 with 22 - testament to his transformation from running half-back flanker to defensive-minded goal-sneak. Will be even better with another full season under his belt, particularly if the key forward likes of Jonathan Brown are in the line-up week-in, week-out. Picked up the Round 17 Rising Star nomination after a match-breaking four-goal haul against Essendon.
Josh Drummond: With fellow defender Jed Adock, was the revelation of 2005. Began the season on the rookie list, earned his elevation with a succession of standout performances and then never looked back. Played 14 of a possible 15 games after his promotion (missing one through injury) and would have featured prominently in the Rising Star award had he not been too old to be eligible. Might not be the most athletic player in the competition but is smart, reads the play very well, has the motor to run off his opponent and kicks with exceptional vision, depth and intelligence.
Luke Forsyth: Arrived via the 2004 National Draft having missed most of last year with osteitis pubis and was again severely hampered by the groin problem this year. Did not play a game until late in the season and even after he made his 2005 debut for the Suncoast Lions, the injury problems still limited him. Showed some glimpses of ability, especially with his disposal, in restricted on-field time but, suffice to say, will hope to be more involved in 2006.
Pat Garner: At 194cm and 75kg, Garner was never likely to be physically AFL-ready in 2005 after being taken with the No. 27 pick in last year's National Draft. But he did display enough impressive signs for the Suncoast Lions in the AFLQ to indicate he will one day be a good key position option - or even a midfielder with his athleticism and skills. Has a nice set of hands, both in attack and defence, and has no worries with distance on set shots at goal, kicking several from the 50m mark at the Gabba.
Richard Hadley: Shaped as a crucial midfield option before the campaign's start, only to tear the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in the final pre-season match against Richmond. Subsequently missed all of 2005 following a knee reconstruction, but was almost fit enough to return by seasons' end and will be fit and raring to go in 2006. Had resumed full training by the finish of winter and the tall midfielder will be like a new recruit next season.
Will Hamill: The tall former Queensland under 18 captain impressed with the Suncoast Lions this year, displaying pace and versatility. Has the ability to play as a defender or a rangy midfielder and was one of the Lions' best in their valiant elimination final defeat at the hands of Broadbeach.
Scott Harding: With Travis Baird and Marcus Allan, the best of the Lions' rookie crop in 2005. Made his senior State debut against WA, then followed that with another fine display in a Queensland jumper against NSW/ACT. Has pace to burn and a knack for finding the ball but it is his improved disposals skills for the Suncoast Lions that made him a standout this year. Looks capable of measuring up at AFL level.
Chris Johnson: Some Lions may have been more periodically brilliant than the dashing defender in 2005, but very few - if any - of his teammates were more consistent this season. Sidestepped the injury curse that claimed many of his comrades to play all 22 games and stake a valid claim for an All-Australian berth. Seems likely to factor heavily in the Lions' annual Club Champion polling and was at his sublime best in an eyecatching 22-possesion, 15-mark outing against Collingwood in Round 15.
Clark Keating: The Lions' traditional spring bloomer seemed to be stepping to the fore a little earlier than usual, before back spasms unexpectedly ended his season after Round 18. When the Lions won six of seven games between Rounds 11 and 17, Keating was an invaluable contributor, exceeding 20 hitouts on two occasions and averaging 15 per match. Turns 30 in 2006 but is still a more than capable ruckman - particularly given another year to adapt to new ruck rules.
Nigel Lappin:: The unassuming and much-respected veteran could have gone close to back-to-back Club Champion awards, were it not for the knee tendonitis that sidelined him for three games mid-season and the broken leg that ended his year in Round 20. In his 16 appearances, Lapping exceeded 20 touches on 10 occasions and averaged a team-high 23 per game. His 250th game, played in Round 13 against Geelong, was one of the more popular milestones of the campaign.
Justin Leppitsch: No-one, it seems, was immune to the injury plague this year and it cost the vice-captain and centre-half-back the last eight games of the season - having missed none before that. Leppitsch was only two weeks off a dominant 25-touch, nine-mark performance against Geelong when hit by back problems that would derail his campaign. Averaged 16 possession, six marks and five rebounds from the defensive 50 in the 14 games that he did play.
Tom Logan: Selected in the 2003 National Draft, the nuggety and courageous Northern Territory product finally made his debut against Port Adelaide in Round 2 and went on to play three games for the year - the last coming in Round 18 against the Bulldogs. In between, there was a shoulder dislocation that kept him out of action for more than two months and which eventually required a reconstruction last week. A standout at AFLQ level and will be hoping to have an uninterrupted campaign with more opportunities in 2006.
Joel Macdonald: The 2004 rookie-list elevation added to his nine games of last year with a further 18 in 2005, many of them in the familiar role of a running defender. But the 21-year-old also showed good versatility, filling in as an undersized centre-half-back on occasions and as a free-wheeling half-forward flanker on others. Missed the last three games with a hamstring problem.
Beau McDonald: Light at the end of the tunnel now beckons for the previously on-the-up ruckman - out of action since Round 14 of 2003 because of posterior cruciate problems in his knee. Has resumed full training and will dedicate the off-season to being right to go in 2006, a prospect Lions fans would truly look forward to. His 203cm frame would be most handy around the stoppages.
Ashley McGrath: Cemented his spot in the first-choice 22 as a specialist goalsneak, kicking more goals in general play than any other player in the competition. Finished with 35.15 for the season, second only to Daniel Bradshaw at the Lions and twice kicked five in a game - against Richmond in Round 10 and Hawthorn in Round 19. Equally as impressive were his efforts in chasing and keeping pressure on inside the forward 50m, inheriting the role once played by Craig McRae.
Dylan McLaren: The effervescent big man is never found wanting for effort and continued his steady improvement in 2005. Played 17 games to go with his 19 in 2004, doing whatever was required of him - playing as a slightly undersize ruckman mainly, but also filling in as a key defender (a role he knew well from his junior days). Finished the season impressively and was also an eye-catcher whenever he returned to AFLQ ranks.
Daniel Merrett: A breakthrough season for the big red-head, who was taken with the No. 30 pick of the 2002 National Draft as a "project" player. Debuted against Port Adelaide in Round 2, played another senior game against Sydney, then returned to the reserves for a stint. Forced his way back into the senior side through sheer weight of goals and ended up playing 10 straight games. Shows a lot of potential as a marking forward/backup ruckman and kicked 13 goals for the season.
Mal Michael: Was again shunned when the All-Australian team was announced but had another sterling season at full-back - rarely lowering his colours and playing all 22 games, despite suffering a compound dislocation of a finger in Round 20. Finished equal top with Jed Adock in rebounds from the defensive 50m (66) and beat Fraser Gehrig, Matthew Lloyd and David Neitz at various stages of the season.
Matthew Moody: After being named as an emergency six times in 2004, the WA product finally got his chance in the seniors in the Round 6 win over Essendon - having impressed as a goalsneak for the Suncoast Lions in the early stages of the year. He went on to add another five games - picking up double-figure possessions in two of them - and developed into a creative, run-with defender in the AFLQ system. Had the better of Southport's goal-kicking ace Ben McEntee in one game late in the season.
Tim Notting: Spent a week in the reserves after a quiet Round 4 outing against Hawthorn but, for the remainder of the year, was a consistent possession-winner for the Lions, playing mainly on the wing. Topped the 20-mark on seven occasions and averaged 16 per game, as contributing 14 goals for the season. Finished seventh in the Lions' best-and-fairest in the premiership year of 2001 and may well match or better that result this year.
Marty Pask:: The Western Magpies product earned his shot on the Lions rookie list with his whole-hearted approach - and he did not let anyone down for the Suncoast Lions this season. Started the year as a centre-half-forward/full-forward and by the end of it was a highly solid key defender. Never lacking in energy or enthusiasm.
Martin Pike: Father Time finally caught up with the four-time premiership player in 2005 - in the shape of a chronic groin injury that forced him onto the long-term injury list and, eventually, into retirement. Played nine games to take his career tally to 247. Will be fondly remembered at the Gabba and was afforded a lap of honour at the season's final home game.
Luke Power: Missed two games mid-season with a broken hand but still managed to top the Lions' disposal count in another super-consistent season. Just does not appear to play a poor game in any of his several positions - midfield, defence or forward line - and missed amassing 20 possessions in only six of his 20 appearances. Averaged 22 disposals per game and has indicated he wants to say at the club beyond 2005.
Michael Rischitelli: Injuries limited his development but the tough-tackling utility still found the time to catch the eye in 2005. Was called up for his second senior game against Essendon in Round 6 but a quad injury at training the following week cost him more than two months. Upon his return through the reserves, his willingness to tackle and play physical football were impressive and culminated him playing in playing Rounds 18 and 22 in the seniors.
Leigh Ryswyk: Was brought into the senior side to make his AFL debut on the wide open expanses of Subiaco Oval against Fremantle in Round 11, but was one of several Lions to succumb to a quad injury (sustained late in that match). Spent six weeks on the sidelines but returned to AFLQ action, where his running ability was again to the fore.
Brad Scott: Like his twin brother Chris, the Lions tagger will undoubtedly be hoping for more luck in 2006. Missed the first three games with an ankle problem, then played the next nine straight before being squeezed out of the senior side for Round 13. Resumed after just the one week in the AFLQ and played another eight straight before a hamstring strain - sadly, in his 150th game - ended his season. Was 14th on the Lions' list of disposals, at an average of 12 per game.
Chris Scott: Began the season in solid fashion, often playing as a forward and kicking eight goals over Rounds 5 and 6. Was squeezed out of the senior side after Round 9 and it was nine weeks before he earned a recall - the legacy of a three-match AFLQ suspension and hand surgery. Played the last four games of the season in the top team, gathering 10 or more possessions in three of them.
Troy Selwood: Like fellow 2002 draftee Daniel Merrett, Selwood made a long-awaited debut in 2005, in his case in Round 1 against St Kilda. Ended up playing 17 of a possible 22 games in the seniors and proved himself in several tough tagging roles - most notably against Paul Hasleby (Fremantle), Jimmy Bartel (Geelong), Nick Stevens (Carlton) and Travis Johnstone (Melbourne). Was the Rising Star nominee for Round 15, the week before his younger twin Adam got the same gong playing for West Coast (against the Lions).
Justin Sherman: Few true first-year players play 19 games in their debut season and even fewer manage to do so with the consistency of Sherman. The Tasmanian, taken with the No. 45 pick of last November's National Draft, played his way into the senior side for the Round 4 meeting with Hawthorn and did enough to retain his spot for the rest of the season. Had double-figure possessions in all but two of his appearances, was the Rising Star nominee for Round 6 and showed plenty of pace and an eye for goal.
Llane Spaanderman: The Western Australian big man, taken with the 18th pick of the 2003 draft, continues to develop steadily with the Suncoast Lions. He added new strings to his bow in 2005 by alternating between a key forward position and centre-half-back and made his AFL debut as a late inclusion against Essendon in Round 6. Made two further senior appearances, against Sydney (Round 20) and Port Adelaide (21) and did some promising things.
Michael Voss: Imagine what the skipper might have been able to achieve in 2005 had he not suffered a severely cut calf in a domestic accident prior to the Round 2 clash with Port Adelaide! Complications from that injury limited Voss through the first half of the season but after that he was superb, exceeding 20 touches in nine of the last 12 matches. When the Lions' finals charge ran out of steam, Voss was still motoring away picking up 77 possessions over the last three matches. Will be a strong candidate for a sixth Club Champion award..
Darryl White: Brought down the curtain on an entertaining 268-game career that netted three premierships and a multitude of highlights. Like Chris Johnson, White was named in the Indigenous Team of the Century mid-year - but didn't enjoy the same good fortune as his defensive colleague in 2005. Broke a rib playing in the reserves in mid-April and it was almost three months before he returned to the senior side. Earned the right to have a Telstra Dome Round 22 swansong with a nine-goal haul against Mt Gravatt for the Suncoast Lions at the Gabba and, in an otherwise forgettable night for club, was serviceable in the mauling by St Kilda. Had 15 possessions and eight marks to cap off a fine career.
Cameron Wood: Made only one senior appearance - against West Coast in Round 5 - after being selected with the No. 18 pick of the 2004 National Draft, but there was plenty to like about Wood's 2005. At just 18 years of age, the 204cm giant led the Suncoast Lions' ruck throughout the winter and his skills, athleticism, savvy around the stoppages and willingness to learn were most noticeable. A definite player of the future and could be the Lions' number one ruckman for the next decade.