Brisbane champion Simon Black believes the pending arrival of Joe Daniher and natural development of a young list can complete the Lions' transformation into an AFL premiership force.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Triple-flag and Brownlow medallist Black was buoyed by Brisbane's "growth year" in 2020 despite last week's disappointing preliminary final exit at the hands of Geelong.
Black thinks the Lions are still on an upward trajectory under coach Chris Fagan and Daniher's likely free agency move will add potency in attack, if the Essendon forward can free himself of the injury woes that have plagued him in recent seasons.
"He's a quality player when he's up and going," Black said.
"They need another key forward to add to their structure and it would be great for the club.
"Brisbane's become a bit of a destination club on the back of success and the wonderful coach they've got there.
"They're well placed and they're one of the youngest squads in the AFL, so there's a big few years ahead."
Black backed the Lions' midfield to remain competitive next season without the need for a major overhaul, with freshly-crowned Brownlow winner Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko and Jarryd Lyons leading the charge.
But the group was overwhelmed by Geelong's stronger on-ball division last week.
"Over the course of the year you'd say Brisbane's midfield really held its own and was one of the premier midfields in the competition," Black said.
"It probably wasn't their best (performance) on the weekend ... and there's probably other positions on the ground that warrant more attention.
"But you can always stock your side with more talent."
Black expects to see further growth from emerging stars - Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry, Zac Bailey and Cam Rayner - to complement the senior talent.
"They'll learn structurally and tactically how they can play better in those sorts of (finals) environments," Black said.
"It's an invaluable experience, playing in a preliminary final and the heat of a big stage.
"They didn't get there but they've taken a step beyond last year and they've had a growth year, so in some respects you've got to be pleased with that."
Brisbane captain Zorko this week welcomed the idea of Daniher linking up with emerging key forward Eric Hipwood and Daniel McStay in attack.
"Joe can certainly complement Eric and Dan ... but it'll give us another avenue to goal too, which I think is important," he said.
Australian Associated Press
