Two priority prospects headline the reigning premiers’ incoming crop.
Still riding the momentum from their grand final victory, the Brisbane Lions are set to continue their excitement into the draft period, where they are poised to secure two highly-rated prospects this November.
With father-son and Academy players likely to join the premiers as first-round picks, the club has put in significant effort recently to strengthen its draft position and prepare for early rival bids.
There’s still more work to be done to finalize what is shaping up to be a clear draft strategy for Brisbane. The Lions are on track to secure this year’s top prospect and another top 20 talent.
This year, draft points are crucial for the Lions, who may need to acquire additional picks despite already holding seven selections for the 2024 AFL Draft.
Draft Hand:
Picks: 27, 34, 42, 43, 49, 60, 66
The Lions’ current draft hand amounts to 2531 points, which is enough to match a bid for Levi Ashcroft should it come at Pick 1. However, securing Ashcroft that early would likely leave them scrambling for additional points to also secure Academy prospect Sam Marshall, who may attract a bid within the top 15.
It’s expected that Brisbane will tap into their future selections to bolster their draft position after a bid for Ashcroft, allowing them to also secure Marshall. For 2025, they currently hold a first-round pick, a second-rounder (tied to Essendon), and a fourth-rounder.
List spots are limited, but the Lions may aim to secure a third prospect late in the draft or as a rookie if they identify a specific list need or spot promising talent still available in the final round.
List Needs
Tall Forward: The departure of Joe Daniher will likely prompt the Lions to seek an experienced forward to fill the void, but they may also consider adding a young tall late in the draft. Ideally, they would like a forward who can have an impact similar to Logan Morris this year, while Luke Lloyd and Brandon Ryan still need to prove themselves.
Best Available: The Lions are successfully building for the future while remaining competitive, with many players under 25 contributing to their premiership run or poised to step up. If they can continue to lay the groundwork for their future team while staying at the top over the next few years, they could be on the verge of establishing another dynasty in Queensland’s capital.
Ruck Support: The Lions showcased their leading ruck duo in September, with Oscar McInerney and his backup, Darcy Fort, playing pivotal roles in the grand final victory. However, beyond this pair, both of whom are over 30, Brisbane’s ruck depth is lacking, with Henry Smith being the only recognized ruck option. With Daniher’s ruck contributions no longer available, additional depth behind McInerney and Fort may be necessary.
Potential Targets
Levi Ashcroft: A name familiar to Brisbane fans, Ashcroft is widely regarded as the top prospect for 2024. The Vic Metro midfielder is an effective inside ball-winner with distinct traits compared to his older brother, Will. The two are expected to complement each other well over the next decade, with a bid for Ashcroft likely to come as early as Pick 2.
Sam Marshall: Another priority prospect for the Lions, Marshall is also viewed as a first-round talent following an impressive season with the Allies and Sandringham Dragons. He was named best on ground in a grand final victory for Sandringham, recording 28 disposals and two goals, and was included in the U18 All-Australian team as one of the Allies’ standout players. His addition could mirror the impact that Jaspa Fletcher has made since joining the Lions alongside Will Ashcroft.
Gabriel Stumpf: A standout at the National Draft Combine, Stumpf excelled in both the 20m sprint and standing vertical tests, showcasing his athleticism as a 196cm key forward. Known for being strong in the air, he scored 27 goals this season while playing for the Northern Knights. Additionally, he demonstrated versatility by taking on a supporting ruckman role, which could appeal to the Lions’ recruiters. As previously noted, Brisbane may need to trade back into the later rounds of the draft or consider Stumpf as a viable option in the Rookie Draft.