List Mgmt. 2024 List Management discussion

[KissKiss]

Would love Charlie Ballard but I can't see him leaving the Suns.

Honestly I dont see many if any of that list leaving their teams. But it also demonstrated how hard it is to get a decent or backup key back this way. There are a couple of other guys who maybe might like a last year as a reserve somewhere. But its not easy to move guys interstate to do that.

 

[Sproj]

The only worry I have with not picking up an extra depth option is we are effectively starting behind the 8 ball next season with regards to Gardiner and Doedee. There’s no guarantee these guys get back (if at all) to the same standard due to age (Dizz) & history (Doedee).

You would assume we are going to pick up injuries again at some stage, whether that be during preseason or season who knows, but we are already vulnerable in that position due to the above.

Frog isn’t exactly getting any younger either and has started to show a few signs this year that age might be catching up.

If shit does hit the fan again we’d be relying on two kids in their second year to take massive leaps forward. For a team who I assume will still be considering themselves in the window it’s a big risk to take.

I agree with what others have said though, given the above Joyce definitely gets another year now.

I like stories like Joyce, guys who take their chance when it comes and then get rewarded for it. Full credit to the coaching team too, I didn't think they had it in them to know when to give blokes a shot but boy have I been proven wrong and happily so. Despite being perennial contenders now, we have still managed to start bringing through Fletcher, WAshcroft, Brain, Reville, Morris, Lohmann and Wilmott. Next year we will no doubt start bringing through LAshcroft, Marshall, ZZ and probably one or two others. We've also managed to give shots to guys like Robertson and Tunstill. This is the way to keep relevant and keep up there like Geelong and Sydney do.

Not only are we in contention now, we also have clear pathways for guys who are good enough and an academy producing good enough talent to keep us regenerating. It is actually pretty cool when you think of the guys our academy has produced in recent years: Hipwood, Andrews, Payne, Coleman, Fletcher, Keays, Bruuuuuuuuce, Chol, Cumberland, Brain - can't keep them all but from those we have kept - that's a fair chunk of our side with more coming, pretty cool.

 

[Perrip]

From Inside Trading just released:

Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko wants to play on for a 14th season in 2025, but is yet to receive an offer from the Lions for next year.
The Queenslander is the fourth-oldest player in the AFL this year and turns 36 in February, but hasn't missed a game in 2024, thriving in a new role across half-back.
Zorko didn't sign an extension for this season until after last October's trade period, following the Grand Final loss to Collingwood.
Brisbane is understood to be waiting for the AFL to finalise its draft and player movement rules around the Next Generation Academy, draft value index and rookie list before making an offer to Zorko's management.
Zorko is a five-time Merrett-Murray medallist, on track to feature in the top five of the best and fairest again and is now up to 268 games after being recruited at the age of 23 from the Broadbeach Cats in the QAFL.

 

[Nunez]

From Inside Trading just released:

Will be done after the season. Pretty standard for someone of his age. All it takes is one bad injury and it's career done. Got to be cautious.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

That same Inside Trading article talks about Alex Davies from Gold Coast. If we had the list spots, I'd be keen to go after him, tall midfielder are always a hot commodity. But we don't.

 

[rye]

That same Inside Trading article talks about Alex Davies from Gold Coast. If we had the list spots, I'd be keen to go after him, tall midfielder are always a hot commodity. But we don't.

dont think its a need for us between dunkley and berry

 

[GC2015]

Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko wants to play on for a 14th season in 2025, but is yet to receive an offer from the Lions for next year.
The Queenslander is the fourth-oldest player in the AFL this year and turns 36 in February, but hasn't missed a game in 2024, thriving in a new role across half-back.
Zorko didn't sign an extension for this season until after last October's trade period, following the Grand Final loss to Collingwood.
Brisbane is understood to be waiting for the AFL to finalise its draft and player movement rules around the Next Generation Academy, draft value index and rookie list before making an offer to Zorko's management.
Zorko is a five-time Merrett-Murray medallist, on track to feature in the top five of the best and fairest again and is now up to 268 games after being recruited at the age of 23 from the Broadbeach Cats in the QAFL.

Just read this article and did the quick math on the 268 AFL games he's played to date - 5 H&A games to go this season and it's probably fair to assume Brisbane will play at least 2 finals matches this season. That will take him up to 275 and obviously if he plays on next year then he has the opportunity to add an extra 23 H&A games + finals. Basically I wanted to ask if you guys think he'll reach 300 games? Would be pretty incredible for a guy that wasn't drafted until he was 22 years of age and debuted at 23. From memory, there's only been a few Queenslanders to reach 300 AFL games - Marcus Ashcroft, Jason Akermanis and Nick Rieowldt (does he count?) so Zorko would definitely be in illustrious company if he does get there.

 

[KissKiss]

Just read this article and did the quick math on the 268 AFL games he's played to date - 5 H&A games to go this season and it's probably fair to assume Brisbane will play at least 2 finals matches this season. That will take him up to 275 and obviously if he plays on next year then he has the opportunity to add an extra 23 H&A games + finals. Basically I wanted to ask if you guys think he'll reach 300 games? Would be pretty incredible for a guy that wasn't drafted until he was 22 years of age and debuted at 23. From memory, there's only been a few Queenslanders to reach 300 AFL games - Marcus Ashcroft, Jason Akermanis and Nick Rieowldt (does he count?) so Zorko would definitely be in illustrious company if he does get there.

Its seriously impressive how he has got to this stage in his career and still looks good. Realistically I think he would have to play 2 more years to get to 300. Im not sure he plays every game next year if he plays on

 

[Morbidly_Obese]

Just read this article and did the quick math on the 268 AFL games he's played to date - 5 H&A games to go this season and it's probably fair to assume Brisbane will play at least 2 finals matches this season. That will take him up to 275 and obviously if he plays on next year then he has the opportunity to add an extra 23 H&A games + finals. Basically I wanted to ask if you guys think he'll reach 300 games? Would be pretty incredible for a guy that wasn't drafted until he was 22 years of age and debuted at 23. From memory, there's only been a few Queenslanders to reach 300 AFL games - Marcus Ashcroft, Jason Akermanis and Nick Rieowldt (does he count?) so Zorko would definitely be in illustrious company if he does get there.

He wasn't drafted he was a Suns zone selection that you traded to us so Gold Coast got him for free but didn't want him.

 

[GC2015]

He wasn't drafted he was a Suns zone selection that you traded to us so Gold Coast got him for free but didn't want him.

You're right. 16 other clubs also had access to him in the three drafts that preceded 2010 while he was consistently winning B&Fs at Broadbeach. Every club is guilty of overlooking good prospects that they have access to at some point in their history. Won't be the last time it happens, either.

Anyway. I wasn't trying to start any debates about the way he began his career or who had access to him. Just acknowledging the impressive career he's had to date and that he's within reaching distance of the elusive 300 mark. Although I do understand that it's QClash week and people probably want to engage in some banter so fair play

 

[StevoJenkins]

Anyway. I wasn't trying to start any debates about the way he began his career or who had access to him. Just acknowledging the impressive career he's had to date and that he's within reaching distance of the elusive 300 mark. Although I do understand that it's QClash week and people probably want to engage in some banter so fair play

Don't mind whatshisface, I've seen you a few times around the boards, you're alright.

I hope he reaches 300. Despite the bad rep he's gained from the Petty incident around the grounds, Zorko deserves to hit that milestone. If Zorko can continue his form this season and in the next, he'll comfortably hit that mark in 2026.

However, that's a next year/year after problem. Next week is Lester's 200th, and we need to win that.

 

[dlanod]

Will be done after the season. Pretty standard for someone of his age. All it takes is one bad injury and it's career done. Got to be cautious.

Plus given he's not going to be moved on, etc, and our need for points and corresponding picks, he'd be a candidate to re-sign after the draft to keep a pick open.

 

[Sproj]

Plus given he's not going to be moved on, etc, and our need for points and corresponding picks, he'd be a candidate to re-sign after the draft to keep a pick open.

For sure and we will definitely be keen to re-sign him, he'll know that, just need to play the game so to speak to keep things open while needed, etc.

 

[davemc_lions]

going to be interesting.If we did not loose guys with ACL's we prob would of let Joyce go
Now you say he safe as we need coverage.
All the talk around Dizzy and Doedee coming back after ACL's
I getting worried about Payne's foot is this the 3rd or 4th time he been sidelined.
It does leave us low in tall defenders.

So back to who do we think is going
Froggy and Zorko another year

I say Dev and Prior will ask to be let go
Lyons, Michael and Madden will be cut. You think Lane as well.
Interesting be what we do with the Beecken and Craven
I say Beecken done enough for next year and looks a good fine.
If we keep both and let 6 go.. still only 4 spots which not good for points

 

[Sproj]

So Dev couldn't even make emergencies this week with so many out, should we read anything into that about him heading for the exit? There just doesn't seem to be a pathway for him with us anymore, especially with LAshcroft and Marshall coming in as well.

 

[Nathan Barley]

So Dev couldn't even make emergencies this week with so many out, should we read anything into that about him heading for the exit? There just doesn't seem to be a pathway for him with us anymore, especially with LAshcroft and Marshall coming in as well.

Watching him in the VFL he just isn't improving. Would probably rather keep him and get rid of Tunstill instead but wouldn't be a big deal if Dev left

 

[T Rick]

So Dev couldn't even make emergencies this week with so many out, should we read anything into that about him heading for the exit? There just doesn't seem to be a pathway for him with us anymore, especially with LAshcroft and Marshall coming in as well.

I agree with the pathway issue but this week's injuries really didn't align with Dev's strengths...if our midfield had been decimated, a different story.

 

[mpal6]

Lohmann emergence this year has really pushed Dev out of the final non-midfield spot that he played on last year.

 

[Royboy1961]

I agree with the pathway issue but this week's injuries really didn't align with Dev's strengths...if our midfield had been decimated, a different story.

Dev Robertson played as an inside mid for WA under 18s. He was an elite midfielder who picked up numerous possessions as an under aged. He was also highly regarded for his leadership and application to his craft. His main concern for recruiters as his disposal by foot. He waisted many of his kicks. This is why the Lions have played him as an outside midfielder mainly on the wing and half forward two that he can improve his all round game. He played OK during the Grand Final and was probably one of our better players while playing on the wing. He even kicked a goal. Unfortunately this year he has had a few injuries meaning that he has not have any continuity to solidify his position in the side. In the VFL side he is one of our best players every week and continues to find the ball at will. His kicking still seems to be an issue he appears to miss his target by atleast a metre. This may be an attitude thing or maybe he just doesn’t have the skill. I think he is best used as a pressure forward if he plays AFL as he just doesn’t have that much hurt factor as either an inside or outside mid. He also played a ripper game against Melbourne at the MCG for the final against Oliver. He played as a tagger for the first half of the game and did really well. Berry then took over and also had an impact ad as everyone knows this was one Berrys best games he has played for the Lions. So at the end of the day I suppose Robertsons potential is still unknown.So his history has shown that He has played some serviceable finals games, had a few injuries and then fought his way into the side.He reminds me a little of a player called Ben Keays who tries hard, has great leadership but has questionable disposal skills. As we all know things can change quickly in the AFL and an opportunity can present itself where a player can show case their talent. If either Lachie Neale or Dunkley have an injury both he and Lyon would be the first players to replace them. This is why you need ready made players in the reserves as a squad wins you a premiership.

 

[Berrygood]

Dev Robertson played as an inside mid for WA under 18s. He was an elite midfielder who picked up numerous possessions as an under aged. He was also highly regarded for his leadership and application to his craft. His main concern for recruiters as his disposal by foot. He waisted many of his kicks. This is why the Lions have played him as an outside midfielder mainly on the wing and half forward two that he can improve his all round game. He played OK during the Grand Final and was probably one of our better players while playing on the wing. He even kicked a goal. Unfortunately this year he has had a few injuries meaning that he has not have any continuity to solidify his position in the side. In the VFL side he is one of our best players every week and continues to find the ball at will. His kicking still seems to be an issue he appears to miss his target by atleast a metre. This may be an attitude thing or maybe he just doesn’t have the skill. I think he is best used as a pressure forward if he plays AFL as he just doesn’t have that much hurt factor as either an inside or outside mid. He also played a ripper game against Melbourne at the MCG for the final against Oliver. He played as a tagger for the first half of the game and did really well. Berry then took over and also had an impact ad as everyone knows this was one Berrys best games he has played for the Lions. So at the end of the day I suppose Robertsons potential is still unknown.So his history has shown that He has played some serviceable finals games, had a few injuries and then fought his way into the side.He reminds me a little of a player called Ben Keays who tries hard, has great leadership but has questionable disposal skills. As we all know things can change quickly in the AFL and an opportunity can present itself where a player can show case their talent. If either Lachie Neale or Dunkley have an injury both he and Lyon would be the first players to replace them. This is why you need ready made players in the reserves as a squad wins you a premiership.

I'm a Dev fan, I really wanted him to come on this year and I do think he could play that hunt ball, tackle hard, tag a player role like Berry to a good standard. Hard working reliable depth.

I don't think I've read a better, fairer evaluation of Dev.

 

[irel]

Like Keays, Dev needs to find a club that would give him an oportunity and persist with him in the midfield.
We are not the club for him. Way too many ahead of him and more are coming.
Is there a club out there that would take him?
I think Collingwood would suit him, maybe Adelaide if they lose Berry. Otherwise he will unfortunately remain a VFL player.

 

[mpal6]

Like Keays, Dev needs to find a club that would give him an oportunity and persist with him in the midfield.
We are not the club for him. Way too many ahead of him and more are coming.
Is there a club out there that would take him?
I think Collingwood would suit him, maybe Adelaide if they lose Berry. Otherwise he will unfortunately remain a VFL player.

Challenge for Dev would be the additional roles he'd be expected to carry and deliver. To be fair to Keays he goes forward and something happens. He knows his way around a forward stoppage to convert it into a goal. Dev is like Scotty West mould midfielder, in-and-under feed the ball to the outside. Not sure if those singular skill types get a consistent opportunity these days.

Will Brodie would be a close match to Dev Robertson, he went to Freo - had a great season in 2022, started dropping off in 2023 with injuries and now Fyfe / Young have effectively pushed him out of that midfield. Had a look at his stats for Peel thunder, he's having a really good season but can't get a look into the first 22.

EDIT: forgot to add, I've watched a couple of Fremantle games and Matthew Johnson stood out whenever he was playing in midfield at stoppage or center bounce. He had time and decision making was really good, it was like watching McCluggage or Dal Santo in a different jumper. He might be another one who will play ahead of Brodie. Johnson plays utility role in defense as well which is an added attraction to keeping him in ahead of Brodie.

 

[Cubs2Lions]

Like Keays, Dev needs to find a club that would give him an oportunity and persist with him in the midfield.
We are not the club for him. Way too many ahead of him and more are coming.
Is there a club out there that would take him?
I think Collingwood would suit him, maybe Adelaide if they lose Berry. Otherwise he will unfortunately remain a VFL player.

Challenge for Dev would be the additional roles he'd be expected to carry and deliver. To be fair to Keays he goes forward and something happens. He knows his way around a forward stoppage to convert it into a goal. Dev is like Scotty West mould midfielder, in-and-under feed the ball to the outside. Not sure if those singular skill types get a consistent opportunity these days.

Will Brodie would be a close match to Dev Robertson, he went to Freo - had a great season in 2022, started dropping off in 2023 with injuries and now Fyfe / Young have effectively pushed him out of that midfield. Had a look at his stats for Peel thunder, he's having a really good season but can't get a look into the first 22.

Clubs like Richmond, St. Kilda and West Coast would be interested in him if he explored his options.

Quite a shame he hasn't found regular opportunities though, was really happy we drafted him and thought he would be our next superstar at the club but for reasons unknown, it just hasn't panned out that way and just don't see a place in our lineup anymore (with Ashcroft II & Marshall coming in) unless injuries occur.

The other factor that could have hindered his progress, like mpal6 has alluded to, is the game has changed so much since 2019 and clubs are looking for midfielders that are more flexible to multiple positional changes and flexibility than to be stoned in one position long-term.

While Robertson is a great contested player who plays inside 99% of the time, our young players like McCluggage, Berry, Rayner, Bailey, Ashcroft and even in Fletcher, Lohmann & Sharp are all ahead of him as they can play multiple positions on the ground (when needed).

Unfortunately, this is the direction the recruiters are going in drafting / trading for players and until Robertson becomes a better winger or small-forward on top of his midfield craft, he won't find a spot in our side given Fages philosophy.

 

[lionshine]

I know our midfield is pretty stacked right now and still has Levi & Marshall to come but I wouldn’t be against getting Alex Davies from the Suns. He’s a beast of a midfielder. I could see him joining another club and having a similar rise to Josh Kennedy when he left the Hawks for the Swans.

Would be a great compliment to our younger midfield brigade as that taller, contested type as the Ashcroft brothers, Fletcher ect. are on the smaller side.

Issue is if you added him to our side right now how does he get midfield minutes with Neale, Dunkley, McCluggage, Ashcroft, Berry and Rayner all spending time in there? Probably a couple years too early and surplus to needs but would be perfect in 3 years time when Neale is close to the end.

I’m just thinking our depth outside the 22 midfield wise will be tested if Lyons & Dev depart at years end.

 

[mpal6]

I know our midfield is pretty stacked right now and still has Levi & Marshall to come but I wouldn’t be against getting Alex Davies from the Suns. He’s a beast of a midfielder. I could see him joining another club and having a similar rise to Josh Kennedy when he left the Hawks for the Swans.

Would be a great compliment to our younger midfield brigade as that taller, contested type as the Ashcroft brothers, Fletcher ect. are on the smaller side.

Issue is if you added him to our side right now how does he get midfield minutes with Neale, Dunkley, McCluggage, Ashcroft, Berry and Rayner all spending time in there? Probably a couple years too early and surplus to needs but would be perfect in 3 years time when Neale is close to the end.

I’m just thinking our depth outside the 22 midfield wise will be tested if Lyons & Dev depart at years end.

Yeah Davies sounds slightly premium for us to get him and not play him. Maybe we have to look in draft this year for one of those late picks to get a big frame 190+ midfielder who is happy to bide his time and wait for the opportunity.