Page 48 - AFL Queensland 2014 in Review

Many of the debutants became regular fixtures in the Lions’ line-up, with Lewy Taylor, James Aish, Michael Close and Darcy Gardiner all finishing with a season games tally well in double digits. Jackson Paine and Trent West also made their first appearances in Lions’ colours in 2014.
It was also a big year for the club when it came to milestones with Daniel Rich, Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff all playing their 100th games for the club in 2014. Ryan Lester, Dayne Zorko, Josh Green, Rohan Bewick and Ryan Harwood all joined the 50 game club.
The trade period was once again a busy time for the Lions, with the club farewelling Jack Crisp and dual best and fairest winner, Joel Patfull and welcoming two former Premiership players, Allen Christensen and Dayne Beams, to the fold.
But they didn’t stop there in adding new talent to the list. After adding former Carlton midfielder, Mitch Robinson, to their list the Lions welcomed six new players to the club via the 2014 NAB AFL National Draft.
Whilst they formalised the recruitment of Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy graduates
Liam Dawson and Harris Andrews and father-son selection, Josh Clayton, they also selected Josh Watts, Jaden McGrath and Josh McGuiness to the side.
They also added another four players through the Rookie draft - Billy Evans, Hugh Beasley, Hyundai Help for Kids Academy graduate, Matthew Hammelman and Cian Hanley, brother of Pearce.
Hanley, who was a star for County Mayo captaining his side to the All-Ireland Minor Semi-Final in 2014, relocated to Australia last month.
All in all it was a busy season and off season for the Lions, who are already well underway with their pre-season preparations.
There is no doubt that 2015 is set to be a big one for the club.
The Lions will be looking to start the season with a bang and pack out the Gabba, when they take on Collingwood in Round One.
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