Brisbane’s Lion Cubs Aim to Roar Again in Finals
When the Brisbane Lions stormed to premiership glory last season, it was their young brigade who lit the spark. Names like Kai Lohmann, Will Ashcroft, Logan Morris, Jaspa Fletcher, and Darcy Wilmot didn’t just play a part—they became the catalyst for a flag that reminded everyone of Brisbane’s golden era. But as we move into another finals series, the question lingers: can these young Lions find another gear and carry their team again?
For Kai Lohmann, this season has been anything but smooth. The 22-year-old forward, who etched his name into club folklore with four goals in the Grand Final, has had his momentum stalled by nagging calf and ankle injuries. Limited to just 14 games, he admitted the setbacks tested his patience and confidence. But in Brisbane’s final round clash against Hawthorn, Lohmann reminded fans of what he can bring. Two quick goals shifted the game’s momentum, and with that, he announced he was ready to peak at the right time. His words carried conviction: the body feels right, the belief is back, and finals are where he wants to shine again.
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He’s not alone. Logan Morris, just 20, has taken massive strides this year. With Joe Daniher’s retirement leaving a hole up forward, Morris has more than stepped up. Three five-goal hauls, and even a six-goal masterclass at the MCG, have stamped him as Brisbane’s new spearhead. Lohmann himself admitted he saw it coming—Morris had the work ethic, the preseason hunger, and now the results to prove he belongs among the best.
In defense, Darcy Wilmot continues to play with an edge that belies his youth. Ever since his 2022 finals debut, he has barely missed a game, bringing energy and unpredictability to Brisbane’s back half. Coach Chris Fagan calls him underrated, but those who watch closely know he has a knack for making things happen at the right moment. And while he likes flying under the radar, Wilmot admitted finals never feel comfortable. Perhaps that’s the point—it keeps him sharp, ready to seize chances when they come.
Then there’s Will Ashcroft, last year’s Norm Smith Medalist, and Jaspa Fletcher, who along with Wilmot have been pivotal across the midfield and backline during injury disruptions to senior teammates. Their ability to step into pressure roles has only deepened Brisbane’s resilience.
What makes this story compelling is not just the talent of these young men, but the belief surrounding them. Co-captain Harris Andrews summed it up best: these so-called cubs bring energy, joy, and confidence that lift even the veterans. They are not finished products, but they don’t need to be. Finals footy thrives on moments of boldness, and Brisbane’s youngsters have shown they aren’t afraid of the stage.
Now, as the Lions prepare to face Geelong, the stage is set once again. The scars of injury and the weight of expectation will either sharpen their resolve or test their limits. But if last year taught us anything, it’s that this group is capable of rewriting the script. The Lion cubs roared once to bring home a flag—now the challenge is simple: can they roar even louder?
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