It is no coincidence that the rise of the Brisbane Lions back in 2019 walked hand-in-hand with the ascension of Daniel Rich into the realm of the best half-backs in the competition. Some may argue that Rich was already there, but over the next couple of seasons, his overall game blossomed.
His penetrating kick and ability to find plenty of the footy helped propel the Lions into an era of success.
Or relative success, I suppose.
And yes, I’m aware there was a pretty important coaching appointment and the recruitment of a future two-time Brownlow Medallist that were huge factors, as well. Bear with me.
With Rich finally falling away in 2023, succumbing to a combination of injuries, recovery, and the effects of Father Time, there emerged big questions around how the Lions would cover his absence.
In a sense, finding the right component to replace to someone so vital can be like mining for precious gems – it is hit and miss, but the Lions hit the jackpot when Keidean Coleman took the big step up and made the half-back position his own.
Despite being good all season, it was the 2023 finals series that really made footy fans, in general, sit up and tackle notice of the Lions’ most recent half-back maestro. He carved up the Blues in the Preliminary Final, before having an outstanding first half in the decider against the Pies.
Those unfamiliar with him were made painfully aware of how good Coleman was, and many wondered how good he could be. It was not that he went out and gathered 30+ disposals. No, it was that his 20-22 touches cut the opposition to pieces. He was quality over quantity.
And then, in the first game of 2024, it all came crashing down.
Suddenly, the Lions find themselves back down the mine shaft, frantically searching for the next treasure to give them the type of drive that Coleman and Rich did in years prior. What will Chris Fagan uncover?
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