3 minute read

Penpix of Brisbane's team for the AFL grand final against Collingwood.

PENPIX OF BRISBANE'S TEAM FOR THE AFL GRAND FINAL.

BACK LINE

37. Brandon Starcevich

Age: 24. Games: 96. Goals: 6. Finals: 9.

Renowned for reliability and flexibility, the sixth-season backman averages more contested marks a game than ever before.

31. Harris Andrews

Age: 26. Games: 185. Goals: 11. Finals: 11.

Co-captain who leads by example, one of the best big defenders in the game combines shrewd ball-reading with supreme aerial powers.

27. Darcy Gardiner

Age: 28. Games: 157. Goals: 5. Finals: 9.

Summoned as an injury replacement for his third game this year, the stalwart shut down Carlton ace Charlie Curnow in the preliminary final.

HALF-BACK LINE

16. Conor McKenna

Age: 27. Games: 104. Goals: 27. Finals: 4.

After six years at Essendon, the Irishman returned home for two years before joining the Lions and playing every game this season.

35. Ryan Lester

Age: 31. Games: 179. Goals: 47. Finals: 5.

In his 13th season, the popular club-man is an unheralded yet important defensive cog, able to quell taller and smaller opponents.

18. Keidean Coleman

Age: 23. Games: 63. Goals: 14. Finals: 8.

The smooth-moving defender's breakout preliminary final performance was highlighted by creating attack from defence with pinpoint disposal.

CENTRE LINE

6. Hugh McCluggage

Age: 25. Games: 154. Goals: 95. Finals: 11.

Midfield beast at his prime, averages a career-high 3.83 clearances a game and remains a weapon with his running power on the outside.

5. Josh Dunkley

Age: 26. Games: 139. Goals: 67. Finals: 13.

After seven years with the Bulldogs, an outstanding first season in Brisbane with career-bests averages in clearances (five) and contested possessions (13)

15. Dayne Zorko

Age: 34. Games: 249. Goals: 224. Finals: 11.

The reliable ex-skipper remains vital for on-field guidance and midfield grunt work, averages 20 disposals in finals.

HALF-FORWARD LINE

23. Charlie Cameron

Age: 29. Games: 201. Goals: 357. Finals: 18.

Dynamic, freakish, explosive, the equal-most experienced Lion in finals is also their attacking spark who can turn a game in an instant.

30. Eric Hipwood

Age: 26. Games: 152. Goals: 229. Finals: 9.

A multiple goalkicker in a dozen games in his highest-scoring season, the attacking wildcard is particularly dangerous in the air.

4. Callum Ah Chee

Age: 25. Games: 116. Goals: 48. Finals: 7.

Highly-skilled and a tireless work ethic in a roaming forward role, his calmness under pressure is a feature.

FORWARD LINE

16. Cam Rayner

Age: 23. Games: 112. Goals: 104. Finals: 8.

Justifying his No.1 draft pick status in 2017, the super-strong game-buster is capable of the spectacular in the air and at ground level.

3. Joe Daniher

Age: 29. Games: 176. Goals: 334. Finals: 8.

Best goal-scoring return since 2017, also a career-high for goal assists, the centrepiece of the league's second-highest scoring team.

33. Zac Bailey

Age: 24. Games: 117. Goals: 119. Finals: 11.

With a sharp turn of speed, smarts around the packs, and an acute goal sense, is the complete small attacking package.

FOLLOWERS

46. Oscar McInerney

Age: 29. Games: 125. Goals: 54. Finals: 10.

Another enjoying career-best in hitout average (34), but also adept when the ball is on the ground with an average of 5.4 clearances a game.

9. Lachie Neale

Age: 30. Games: 245. Goals. 115. Finals: 18.

The dual Brownlow medallist averages a career-high eight clearances, the chief source of supply for Brisbane forwards.

7. Jarrod Berry

Age: 25. Games: 132. Goals: 58. Finals: 11.

A midfield force around the pacs who roams far and wide, evidenced by career-best averages for inside 50s (3.33) and rebound 50s (2.25).

INTERCHANGE

2. Deven Robertson

Age: 22. Games: 40. Goals: 9. Finals: 6.

Came back late in the season after some patchy form, versatile option to join the on-ball brigade or float forward.

11. Lincoln McCarthy

Age: 29. Games: 142. Goals: 157. Finals: 14.

Sure-marking forward adds aerial strength and accurate conversion, has only nine goals from his 14 finals thus far.

28. Jaspa Fletcher

Age: 19. Games: 13. Goals: 8. Finals: 2.

Slotted seamlessly in a debut season, could win a flag in his 14th game, a feat which eluded his father Adrian over a 231-game, 13-season career.

44. Darcy Wilmot

Age: 19. Games: 28. Goals: 6. Finals: 5.

Has become a mainstay, playing every game in his second season, often deployed on the opponent's most threatening small forward.

SUBSTITUTE

17. Jarryd Lyons

Age: 31. Games: 190. Goals: 86. Finals : 11.

Sub in the past two finals, renowned as an inside midfielder but also can kick a goal.

EMERGENCIES

29. James Tunstill.

Age: 20. Games: 5. Goals: 1. Finals: 0.

Medium-sized forward who last featured in round five, the last of only two games this season.

32. Darcy Fort.

Age: 30. Games: 33. Goals: 16. Finals: 1.

Only seven games this season for the spare ruckman sitting behind McInerney in the pecking order.

40. Jack Payne

Age: 23. Games: 50. Goals: 2. Finals: 6.

Missed the preliminary final because of an ankle injury, had played every other game in a reliable defensive season.