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Unofficial Preview Best 23 2025 Predictions

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Whoever miss out just need to keep their head down and keep working hard in reserves.

They don't need to look far at all - Fort is a classic reference of things taking a major flip one week before grand final and landed on his lap, even though at the expense of poor Big O.
 
Dropping Answerth would send all the wrong messages. He was instrumental last night and will only get better. Froggy isn't nearly as impressive as Answerth, but you wouldn't drop him as well. I know it's harsh, but I would take Zorko or Wilmot out of the defensive line, and move them to sub. They're both versitle quick players who can play in numerous positions and can change the game in an instant. I would bring back Starce and Kiddy in the backline. If Starce can't make it for injury reasons, i would replace him with Doedee. I feel for Doedee, but he isn't better than answerth, starce or kiddy. So he's behind in the pecking order. I would obviously bring in Kai and Morris for the forward, but I wouldn't be surprised if Gallop is given a chance. He seems like a bolter for me this season and Fagan even mentioned him in the presser. Also, if you watched Fagan's presser, he said Coleman will have to play in the VFL until he finds a way in, then before he finished he said he almost won the norm smith in 2023 and he paused for a moment. It looked like he remembered how good coleman is and how he really is a guaranteed starter. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
 
GenericUsername202 said:
Dropping Answerth would send all the wrong messages. He was instrumental last night and will only get better. Froggy isn't nearly as impressive as Answerth, but you wouldn't drop him as well. I know it's harsh, but I would take Zorko or Wilmot out of the defensive line, and move them to sub. They're both versitle quick players who can play in numerous positions and can change the game in an instant. I would bring back Starce and Kiddy in the backline. If Starce can't make it for injury reasons, i would replace him with Doedee. I feel for Doedee, but he isn't better than answerth, starce or kiddy. So he's behind in the pecking order. I would obviously bring in Kai and Morris for the forward, but I wouldn't be surprised if Gallop is given a chance. He seems like a bolter for me this season and Fagan even mentioned him in the presser. Also, if you watched Fagan's presser, he said Coleman will have to play in the VFL until he finds a way in, then before he finished he said he almost won the norm smith in 2023 and he paused for a moment. It looked like he remembered how good coleman is and how he really is a guaranteed starter. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
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Yer I love Answerth for the balance he brings to our backline but I couldn't see anyone else to come out for Kiddy, Starcevich and Doedee. The only other players I was mulling over omitting were Levi and Cam:eek:... very had match committee meetings coming up later in the year if we have minimal injuries.
 
M Malice said:
Yer I love Answerth for the balance he brings to our backline but I couldn't see anyone else to come out for Kiddy, Starcevich and Doedee. The only other players I was mulling over omitting were Levi and Cam:eek:... very had match committee meetings coming up later in the year if we have minimal injuries.
Click to expand...
Answerth's aggression & that bit of mongrel is needed down back. Spoilt with riches at the moment
 

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The one thing I know is this team, and the game, have gone past Darcy Gardiner. Thanks for the service, but not even depth, IMO.
 
BuntonRules said:
The one thing I know is this team, and the game, have gone past Darcy Gardiner. Thanks for the service, but not even depth, IMO.
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In the couple of games he has played, I can’t see much that he has actually done wrong.
 
Dalions said:
In the couple of games he has played, I can’t see much that he has actually done wrong.
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He's a loved player by his team mates because he gives everything he's got and takes a lot of punishment in service of the team.

But I agree with Bunton Rules . He's not good enough for the forward line and can't get off the ground imo , but if we get injuries he's a good option to have in the backline because his outstanding attribute is that he knows how to defend.
 
BuntonRules said:
The one thing I know is this team, and the game, have gone past Darcy Gardiner. Thanks for the service, but not even depth, IMO.
Click to expand...
Gardiner can play a role, he is good depth IMO, but yes with all our forward and backline options available he wont get a look in re a senior role.
 
martinson said:
He's a loved player by his team mates because he gives everything he's got and takes a lot of punishment in service of the team.

But I agree with Bunton Rules . He's not good enough for the forward line and can't get off the ground imo , but if we get injuries he's a good option to have in the backline because his outstanding attribute is that he knows how to defend.
Click to expand...
I certainly don’t see him in the best 23 with a fully fit list.
But he is good depth considering he is able to play a role up forward or down back.
 
Dalions said:
I certainly don’t see him in the best 23 with a fully fit list.
But he is good depth considering he is able to play a role up forward or down back.
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I just can't have him as a forward Dalions but I suppose if you have no one else.....

He's actually moving fairly well at the moment considering all the injuries he's had. I thought he was done with the ACL but credit to him for coming back in the condition he has .
 
Dalions said:
In the couple of games he has played, I can’t see much that he has actually done wrong.
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He's not a forward but he's still a reliable defender. Frankly Norf should consider offering him a contract at the end of the year, he's better than any of their options.
 
M Malice said:
I was thinking after going to the reserves game and last night at the Gabba how in the world do we fit the currently unavailable players back into our best side. Some very good players are going to miss out on senior footy.

Kiddy Coleman and Tom Doedee have not played this season and are locks for a senior spot eventually.

From last nights game for finals footy.

Ins- Logan Morris, Brandon Starcevich, Keidean Coleman, Tom Doedee, Kai Lohmann.

Outs- Will McLachlan, Conor McKenna, Ryan Lester, Darcy Gardiner, Noah Answerth.

Lester and Answerth terribly unlucky but who else do you take out? That's without taking into account Linc McCarthy.

I really hope we give Ty Gallop a crack this weekend against North as Sam Day's replacement.
Click to expand...
I never post in the best 23 thread - but our current "predicament" made me go looking for it this week.
The only players I can see being dropped from the side that played on Sunday are the fringe players: McLachlan, McKenna, Gardiner.
Similar to others, I don't see how you drop Lester. He's playing great football, is ultra reliable, rarely loses.
I also can't drop Answerth. He has been fantastic and is a lock for me.

No one is out of form. The team is winning. You don't break a winning formula. Even when we lost to the pies, we lost as a bloody team!
I feel for Sam Day - he was improving week on week and was looking like a great story, but this could be the story of the team this season. The position is yours until you get injured.
I can only see us dropping a player currently if we have 2 losses in a row - then perhaps there's a chance to tinker.

I would say Kiddie comes in for the McKenna. Kai for McLachlan. Morris for Gardner.
I have no answer on what to do with Starc.
Tom Deodee could be a story of "you need to wait". he was brought in to do a job, but Lester got that position while Tom was injured and now owns it.
Whoever comes in for Sam Day needs to make the most of their opportunity - I think Sam gets another chance at it considering the role. The Melbourne game (or rather, than Max Gawn game) is shaping up as a decision maker on that position.

Damn our brilliant recruitment and fitness staff!

Edit: or just read Fish's article on afl.com: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1315616/the-selection-headaches-looming-for-high-flying-brisbane-lions
 
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Dalions said:
In the couple of games he has played, I can’t see much that he has actually done wrong.
Click to expand...

Not done wrong, just hack disposals, not good enough as a forward or a back, and just lowers the standard of the team. I commented with respect, but what we needed when we were down the ladder - and what we need now - are 2 different things. Would prefer Gallop forward and, probably, Joyce down back.
 

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M Malice said:
Gardiner can play a role, he is good depth IMO, but yes with all our forward and backline options available he wont get a look in re a senior role.
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To say the game has gone past him is a little insulting.....he's still a valued squad member and its the squad that wins premierships not just the 22 at that time. He just needs to keep giving his best effort every time he runs out and take his opportunites as they come. You can be sure he will do that every week.
 
BuntonRules said:
Not done wrong, just hack disposals, not good enough as a forward or a back, and just lowers the standard of the team. I commented with respect, but what we needed when we were down the ladder - and what we need now - are 2 different things. Would prefer Gallop forward and, probably, Joyce down back.
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The one player who consistently hacks kicks in our 22 is Wilmott. I love his style of attacking play and i'm sure they are working on his disposal. Once he gets that right, look out.
 
M Malice said:
I was thinking after going to the reserves game and last night at the Gabba how in the world do we fit the currently unavailable players back into our best side. Some very good players are going to miss out on senior footy.

Kiddy Coleman and Tom Doedee have not played this season and are locks for a senior spot eventually.
Click to expand...
I think it's important to understand what role those players play and what the structure of our defence is.

The way I see it, we play 7 defenders in the 23: two talls (Andrews, Payne), a third tall (Lester), and four small/mediums, who either specialise in shutdown defending (Starce, Answerth) or rebounding (Zorko, Wilmot, McKenna and Fletcher when he's moved back).

What balance is right for those small/medium types? Well, last year we had two big winning streaks: weeks 13-21 where we played three rebounders and one shutdown, and round 24 to the Grand Final where we played two of each. This year, we beat Sydney with two of each, and we're 6-1 playing three rebounders and one shutdown. So we can win with both combinations.

But the finals was the more impressive of those runs, because the quality of opposition was tougher. So I'd lean towards the combination that's proven to work in finals. Two shutdown defenders is probably also going to help us beat Collingwood, who we've lost four in a row to, and who have dangerous small forwards who have had days out against us lately.

Plus, Starce's concussion issues mean he's a risk to be subbed off in any game, and I want at least one other shutdown defender to cover his role if needed. By contrast, if Zorks or Wilmot goes down, Fletcher can be pushed back to rebound. All this means we really need two shutdown small/medium defenders in the 23.

So where do Kiddy and Doedee fit in? Kiddy's big strength is rebounding and so he has to compete with Zorks and Wilmot for a spot, but both are pretty entrenched. Doedee is a third tall, competing with Lester who is also entrenched. But I think he can also be a shutdown medium defender. One thing Answerth can't make up for when Starce is out is his height. Doedee, however, can do that, and that's one reason why I see him as a good cover for Starce until he's considered good to go again.

The silver lining for both of them is that I don't think Zorks and Lester have that much longer left at the top level. The end can come for players quickly. So I'm very glad to have strong replacements for both on board already.

My current best 23 defence looks like:

Talls - Andrews, Payne
Third tall - Lester
Shutdown - Answerth, Doedee (until Starce returns)
Rebounding smalls - Wilmot, Zorko

In time, it'll look like:

Talls - Andrews, Payne
Third tall - Doedee
Shutdown - Answerth, Starce
Rebounding smalls - Wilmot, Coleman
 
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Johnny Bananas said:
I think it's important to understand what role those players play and what the structure of our defence is.

The way I see it, we play 7 defenders in the 23: two talls (Andrews, Payne), a third tall (Lester), and four small/mediums, who either specialise in shutdown defending (Starce, Answerth) or rebounding (Zorko, Wilmot, McKenna and Fletcher when he's moved back).

What balance is right for those small/medium types? Well, last year we had two big winning streaks: weeks 13-21 where we played three rebounders and one shutdown, and round 24 to the Grand Final where we played two of each. This year, we beat Sydney with two of each, and we're 6-1 playing three rebounders and one shutdown. So we can win with both combinations.

But the finals was the more impressive of those runs, because the quality of opposition was tougher. So I'd lean towards the combination that's proven to work in finals. Two shutdown defenders is probably also going to help us beat Collingwood, who we've lost four in a row to, and who have dangerous small forwards who have had days out against us lately.

Plus, Starce's concussion issues mean he's a risk to be subbed off in any game, and I want at least one other shutdown defender to cover his role if needed. By contrast, if Zorks or Wilmot goes down, Fletcher can be pushed back to rebound. All this means we really need two shutdown small/medium defenders in the 23.

So where do Kiddy and Doedee fit in? Kiddy is a rebounder and has to compete with Zorks and Wilmot for a spot, but both are pretty entrenched. Doedee is a third tall, competing with Lester who is also entrenched. But I think he can also be a shutdown medium defender. One thing Answerth can't make up for when Starce is out is his height. Doedee, however, can do that, and that's one reason why I see him as a good cover for Starce until he's considered good to go again.

The silver lining for both of them is that I don't think Zorks and Lester have that much longer left at the top level. The end can come for players quickly. So I'm very glad to have strong replacements for both on board already.

My current best 23 defence looks like:

Talls - Andrews, Payne
Third tall - Lester
Shutdown - Answerth, Doedee (until Starce returns)
Rebounding smalls - Wilmot, Zorko

In time, it'll look like:

Talls - Andrews, Payne
Third tall - Doedee
Shutdown - Answerth, Starce
Rebounding smalls - Wilmot, Coleman
Click to expand...
Kiddy's tackling was elite yesterday. He's much more than a re-bounding defender as you say.
 
Sunny Land said:
Kiddy's tackling was elite yesterday. He's much more than a re-bounding defender as you say.
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I'm not saying he's only a rebounder, he has defensive skills too of course, but it isn't his main strength. And he isn't as good at blanketing opposition smalls as either Answerth or Starce. Been a while since I've watched Doedee at the top level, but from memory, covering a man is one of his biggest strengths, alongside intercepting.
 
Johnny Bananas said:
I think it's important to understand what role those players play and what the structure of our defence is.

The way I see it, we play 7 defenders in the 23: two talls (Andrews, Payne), a third tall (Lester), and four small/mediums, who either specialise in shutdown defending (Starce, Answerth) or rebounding (Zorko, Wilmot, McKenna and Fletcher when he's moved back).

What balance is right for those small/medium types? Well, last year we had two big winning streaks: weeks 13-21 where we played three rebounders and one shutdown, and round 24 to the Grand Final where we played two of each. This year, we beat Sydney with two of each, and we're 6-1 playing three rebounders and one shutdown. So we can win with both combinations.

But the finals was the more impressive of those runs, because the quality of opposition was tougher. So I'd lean towards the combination that's proven to work in finals. Two shutdown defenders is probably also going to help us beat Collingwood, who we've lost four in a row to, and who have dangerous small forwards who have had days out against us lately.

Plus, Starce's concussion issues mean he's a risk to be subbed off in any game, and I want at least one other shutdown defender to cover his role if needed. By contrast, if Zorks or Wilmot goes down, Fletcher can be pushed back to rebound. All this means we really need two shutdown small/medium defenders in the 23.

So where do Kiddy and Doedee fit in? Kiddy is a rebounder and has to compete with Zorks and Wilmot for a spot, but both are pretty entrenched. Doedee is a third tall, competing with Lester who is also entrenched. But I think he can also be a shutdown medium defender. One thing Answerth can't make up for when Starce is out is his height. Doedee, however, can do that, and that's one reason why I see him as a good cover for Starce until he's considered good to go again.

The silver lining for both of them is that I don't think Zorks and Lester have that much longer left at the top level. The end can come for players quickly. So I'm very glad to have strong replacements for both on board already.

My current best 23 defence looks like:

Talls - Andrews, Payne
Third tall - Lester
Shutdown - Answerth, Doedee (until Starce returns)
Rebounding smalls - Wilmot, Zorko

In time, it'll look like:

Talls - Andrews, Payne
Third tall - Doedee
Shutdown - Answerth, Starce
Rebounding smalls - Wilmot, Coleman
Click to expand...
I agree that we can have both Doedee and Lester in the team. Doedee looks to be versatile enough to play as a third tall, as a shutdown on a small/medium forward or even as a rebounding defender.
Although you are saying we have or are playing 1 lockdown and 3 rebounding defenders, I think that Motty may be playing more of a lockdown role with Answerth playing Starce's role.
I'm not sure how the selection team make choices on who to drop when Kiddy, Doedee and Starce are fit and firing. Zorks can be moved around if they decide not to play him and Kiddy in the same defence. Doedee's versatility means he has something that Answerth cannot compete with selection wise but Noah has been great and I would hate to see him dropped as well.

Maybe we can just extend the bench to 7 for the rest of the year? Do you think the AFL would go for that?
 

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p4p1 said:
Although you are saying we have or are playing 1 lockdown and 3 rebounding defenders, I think that Motty may be playing more of a lockdown role with Answerth playing Starce's role.
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He probably is. Perhaps I've not expressed myself well, I meant for my classifications of small/medium defenders to be about their main strength, not saying that's their only capability. Wilmot can certainly defend a man, and his skill at it is probably better than Zorko's, so perhaps he's acting in that Answerth role as you say. I just think both Answerth and Starce are better at it, and I'm considering who makes up the best 23. Coleman is certainly better at rebounding through kicking than Wilmot, though I think Wilmot has a superior level of dash.

p4p1 said:
I'm not sure how the selection team make choices on who to drop when Kiddy, Doedee and Starce are fit and firing. Zorks can be moved around if they decide not to play him and Kiddy in the same defence. Doedee's versatility means he has something that Answerth cannot compete with selection wise but Noah has been great and I would hate to see him dropped as well.
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It's not easy, that's for sure. I'd even consider making Zorks the sub to keep him fresh the whole year.

p4p1 said:
Maybe we can just extend the bench to 7 for the rest of the year? Do you think the AFL would go for that?
Click to expand...
If only...
 
Based on known quantity of what they have produced at the Lions I have come up with this. If everyone is fit and close to their best I just don't know how you split a few of these guys.

FB: Starcevich Andrews Lester
HB: Answerth Payne Coleman
C: Fletcher Neale Berry
Foll: McInerny Dunkley McCluggage
HF: Lohman Hipwood Ah Chee
FF: Morris Day Cameron
Int: W Ashcroft L Ashcroft Rayner Bailey Zorko Willmott Doedee

Washcroft is one of our best.
LAshcroft is getting there though still a first year player.
Rayner fades in and out of games but I see no reason to drop him.
Bailey is just about in career best form and can be a match winner.
Motty is basically a lock as the 7th defender.
Zorko is versatile and can play back or forward having a big impact.
Doedee at the moment has the weakest case of the three but could have more impact than Answerth or Froggy.
 
Johnny Bananas said:
He probably is. Perhaps I've not expressed myself well, I meant for my classifications of small/medium defenders to be about their main strength, not saying that's their only capability. Wilmot can certainly defend a man, and his skill at it is probably better than Zorko's, so perhaps he's acting in that Answerth role as you say. I just think both Answerth and Starce are better at it, and I'm considering who makes up the best 23. Coleman is certainly better at rebounding through kicking than Wilmot, though I think Wilmot has a superior level of dash.


It's not easy, that's for sure. I'd even consider making Zorks the sub to keep him fresh the whole year.


If only...
Click to expand...
It is unbelievable how far the small and mids at both ends have come. McKenna is probably a starter just about everywhere else but at the Lions and if everyone is fit, he can't even get a sub role.

I agree, Motty's strength his run and dash, his kicking can be quite hit and miss. It is one area I would love to see him clean up. Coleman, definitely not as quick but that left foot is pure filth, as we all know.

We can't have Zorks as the sub all the time, I wouldn't mind it being rotated by a few guys if we face the selection problems we expect we could be in the near future.

I don't know if the selection team can make any calls unless forced by injury or a shocking run of form. Even then Fletcher almost seems wasted on a wing, not because he isn't good on a wing but because he is so good, I want to see him more involved, which he has been able to be on a HBF hybrid sort of lockdown/rebounding role.
 
Everyone on our list available come finals >

Brandon Starcevich, Jack Payne, Darcy Wilmot.
Keidean Coleman, Harris Andrews, Tom Doedee.

Oscar McInerney, Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley.
Hugh McCluggage, Jaspa Fletcher, Jarrod Berry.

Logan Morris, Eric Hipwood, Kai Lohmann.
Charlie Cameron, Sam Day, Zac Bailey.

Callum Ah Chee, Cam Rayner, Dayne Zorko, Will Ashcroft.

Sub- Levi Ashcroft.

Depth- Noah Answerth, Ryan Lester, Bruce Reville, Darcy Gardiner, Darcy Fort, Conor McKenna, Darragh Joyce.

Zorks to play as the 7th defender, can also go wing/fwd if needed, prefer Fletcher on a wing but can also go back if needed, I really do want Noah in there but who goes out? Coleman/Starcevich firing are absolute locks, Doedee ditto, Froggy stiff but Doedee at his best is simply a better player IMO.

The only one I can see to go out of that back 7 for Answerth is Doedee but does that then upset the balance down there, Starc plays on the 3rd talls?

It will probably be a moot discussion come finals anyway, very unlikely we have a fully available list at that time of the year.

Didn't consider Linc, don't think he will get up.
 
p4p1 said:
It is unbelievable how far the small and mids at both ends have come. McKenna is probably a starter just about everywhere else but at the Lions and if everyone is fit, he can't even get a sub role.

I agree, Motty's strength his run and dash, his kicking can be quite hit and miss. It is one area I would love to see him clean up. Coleman, definitely not as quick but that left foot is pure filth, as we all know.

We can't have Zorks as the sub all the time, I wouldn't mind it being rotated by a few guys if we face the selection problems we expect we could be in the near future.

I don't know if the selection team can make any calls unless forced by injury or a shocking run of form. Even then Fletcher almost seems wasted on a wing, not because he isn't good on a wing but because he is so good, I want to see him more involved, which he has been able to be on a HBF hybrid sort of lockdown/rebounding role.
Click to expand...
It's truly an embarrassment of riches. I wouldn't be trading anyone out unless they demanded to leave, but I feel like something might have to give at some point, especially if we sign Oscar Allen. In terms of quality at different positions we may be a little unbalanced currently, with one starting-quality small defender too many and one starting-quality tall forward too few. And that's before we look at the logjam of mid/forward types!
 
Johnny Bananas said:
It's truly an embarrassment of riches. I wouldn't be trading anyone out unless they demanded to leave, but I feel like something might have to give at some point, especially if we sign Oscar Allen. In terms of quality at different positions we may be a little unbalanced, with one starting-quality small defender too many and one starting-quality tall forward too few. And that's before we look at the logjam of mid/forward types!
Click to expand...
Is our mid depth a bit thin JB?

Sam Marshall, James Tunstill, Reece Torrent, Daniel Annable(2026) is about it, doubtful that Tunstill and Torrent "make it" with us.
 

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