Returning Lion Poised to Fill Defensive Void

The Brisbane Lions face a critical challenge heading into the 2026 season. The departure of Brandon Starcevich has left a significant defensive gap in the team’s lineup. Starcevich, who has recently signed with West Coast, was a vital player in the team’s defensive setup. His contributions included stellar performances against top opponents like Tom Papley and Patrick Dangerfield during the last two Grand Finals.

Returning Lion Poised to Fill Defensive Void

The Lions have made notable acquisitions over the off-season. They secured Oscar Allen from West Coast, Sam Draper from Essendon, and promising Academy draftee Dan Annable. However, the loss of Starcevich raises questions about who will take on the role of neutralizing the opposing team’s most dangerous forwards.

Identifying the Next Star Defender

Veteran defender Ryan Lester has highlighted Noah Answerth as the likely candidate to step into Starcevich’s shoes. According to Lester, Answerth’s skills make him comparable to Starcevich in handling swift small forwards. “He’s very reliable and a good player against those dangerous small forwards,” Lester stated.

Answerth played a key role in the Lions’ 2024 premiership team. Unfortunately, he faced a setback with a ruptured Achilles against Carlton last July. Fortunately, his recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to be available at the start of the new season.

Emerging Players in the Defensive Line

The competition for positions in the backline remains fierce. Lester noted that both Answerth and fellow defender Kiddy Coleman missed significant time last year, leading to more competition among players. He specifically mentioned that Luke Lloyd and Zane Zakostelsky, both entering their third seasons, are performing impressively during pre-season training.

• Ryan Lester is the longest-tenured player for the Lions, entering his 16th pre-season.
• The Lions are chasing a hat-trick of premierships in 2026.
• Brandon Starcevich’s contributions included key performances against top forwards.

Lester remains motivated as the team looks to achieve another premiership. He appreciates the camaraderie built over the years with his teammates. “Whether this is my last year, you never get that chance again,” he said. This enthusiasm for teamwork fuels his passion as they prepare to tackle the season ahead.