Cynics may argue the Brisbane Lions will find it hard to turn heads in 2013 when even an alleged drug scandal could not make the AFL sit up and take notice.
But Lions coach Michael Voss reckons he finally has the makings of a squad that will give the AFL public something to talk about this year, for all the right reasons.
Newspaper allegations that a “self-confessed drug dealer” had threatened to expose match-fixing, illegal gambling and drug use allegations involving the Lions between 2002 and 2009 didn’t warrant an investigation by the AFL in the pre-season.
Neither did a follow-up report that claimed a Brisbane player sat out some games last decade – also under then captain Voss’ reign – in a bid to cover up an illicit drug issue.
Indeed the once mighty Lions have found it tough to warrant the spotlight since their 2004 grand final appearance.
But Voss is daring to dream after 10 wins in 2012 and promising pre-season form.
He may have even found an answer to the age-old question posed at the Lions – who will support co-captain Jonathan Brown in the forward line?
Not much can stop Brown – just ask the driver of a car that came off second best when the Lions co-captain went on a pre-season bike ride on the Gold Coast.
But Voss hoped Brown could really flex his muscles this year with the likes of ex-Demon Stefan Martin, Aaron Cornelius, draft pick Sam Mayes, Josh Green and Ash McGrath in support.
“One of the things that we are hell bent on is that we don’t become reliant on Brownie,” Voss said.
“We have to make sure we have five to six guys who demand attention.
“We need to put a structure around him to make sure he does not become the single focus – if he does we have almost gone backwards as a group.
“But over the last 18 months we have been able to build a group that we hope will kick multiple goals in multiple ways and we hope Brownie gets into better form because of that.”
However, half the battle for the Lions has been getting the Sherrin to Brown.
On paper, a Lions midfield boasting the likes of veteran Simon Black, Daniel Rich, Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff had been enough to warrant an encouraging smile from fans.
Not a bad effort considering long suffering supporters have had little to celebrate thanks to just one finals campaign since 2004.
However, the arrival of ex-Demon Brent Moloney and the emergence of Dayne Zorko and Claye Beams may yet yield on-field joy.
The return of ruckman Matthew Leuenberger – not sighted since round three last year – from an Achilles injury has also provided a spring in Voss’ step after “retiree” Ben Hudson’s off-season loss to Collingwood.
Voss has not claimed the Lions will command the AFL limelight this season.
But he can at least see some light at the end of what has been a long and dark tunnel for Brisbane.
