Brisbane's 2022 campaign ended in a preliminary final defeat, falling to Geelong by 71 points.
Following an impressive fortnight of football which resulted in downing the two previous premiers (Melbourne and Richmond) in do-or-die clashes, the task of the Cats was too much for Chris Fagan's men.
The Lions' season started in good form, winning their opening three rounds against Port Adelaide, Essendon and North Melbourne.
Attempting to redeem themselves from a straight sets exit in 2021, Brisbane came out with a vengeance.
Winning eight of their first nine games, the Lions put themselves in familiar territory near the top of the ladder.
A minor speed hump in round four against Geelong was the only collapse in a near perfect start.
Despite not facing tougher tasks, Brisbane managed to put away Sydney and Collingwood amid their streak.
However, a blunder against Hawthorn in Tasmania was a reality check to Fagan's side as a string of consistent results ensued.
The Lions managed to hold off an emotional GWS side who recently were without coach Leon Cameron due to his sacking, before going down to Fremantle at Optus Stadium by 14 points.
Entering the bye, Brisbane also got through St Kilda and found themselves on top of the AFL ladder, pipping Melbourne and the Dockers on percentage.
Returning from the break, the Lions faced Melbourne at the MCG and were poised to break the hoodoo.
However, a rampant Demons outfit took charge from the first bounce, putting on a dominating display to which Brisbane had no answers for.
Conceding 117 points, the Lions fell by 64 points and looked to be behind the pace of the competition leaders.
Still sitting amongst the top four, Brisbane responded strongly by knocking off the Western Bulldogs before going down surprisingly to Essendon.
The fortnight following were victorious for the Lions, putting away the expansion clubs (GWS and Gold Coast) in successive weeks.
Lining up at the G against Richmond in round 20 looked to be the drought-breaking game that the Lions would use to end their wretched run at the home of football.
Leading by 42-points in the second quarter, Brisbane were overrun by the Tigers, who put 10 goals to three in the second half.
With top four on the line, the Lions bounced back in the weeks following, defeating Carlton and the Saints, which set up an intriguing last round clash with Melbourne.
The equation was somewhat simple: win against the Demons and secure a top four spot or hope Fremantle and Collingwood lose.
Taking place at the Gabba, Brisbane were heavily tipped against the reigning premiers but how wrong they were.
What proceeded to take place was a replica of the earlier match up, with Melbourne putting the Lions to the sword.
To make matters worse, captain Dayne Zorko was involved in on-field sledging which led to Demon defender Harrison Petty with tears mid game.
Unnecessary commentary followed for weeks as to what Zorko had said, smearing the reputation of the Lions skipper.
Brisbane entered the finals on a disappointing note, dropping to sixth and forced to face Richmond at the Gabba.
With the return of superstar Dustin Martin, all things seemed to be pointing toward a Tigers victory and another sour ending to the Lions' season.
In what was one of the best games in 2022 filled with controversy, both clubs put on a stellar performance with barely anything between them.
Ruckman Oscar McInerney went down early in the game with a nasty concussion, as a shootout commenced on Thursday night football.
Richmond were holding steady for majority of the game, getting out to a game-high 16-point lead in the third term.
However, some heroics by Lachie Neale (39 possessions and 15 clearances) and Joe Daniher saw the Lions prevail in an elimination final epic.
Despite a goal review blunder that cost Tom Lynch and the Tigers a semi-final clash with Melbourne, Brisbane were on their way to the MCG for the third time in 2022.
The hero from the previous week, Daniher, was a surprise omission from the team due to family reasons as more adversity followed the Lions.
With odds against them and a bad past against the Demons, once again Fagan and his side were tipped to lose and potentially lose bad.
Falling behind by 28 points, a late goal to Callum Ah Chee on the half-time siren offered hope, reducing the margin to 22 points at the main change.
Known as an offensive juggernaut, the Lions were kept to three goals in the first half and looked at an early finals exit.
A coaching masterclass took place whereby Jarrod Berry was deployed as a tagger on Clayton Oliver, something that youngster Deven Robertson was struggling with.
Oliver was kept to his second lowest disposal tally (21) for the year as the Demons were overrun by the Lions.
The MCG hoodoo was over, winning at the ground for the first time since round 21, 2014.
With a spot in the decider up for grabs, Brisbane gave themselves every chance to make the elusive grand final but were no match for Geelong in the preliminary final.
Led by Patrick Dangerfield, the Cats were on from start to finish, piling on 18 goals to seven in a dominant display.
Lachie Neale nearly capped off a stellar season, coming second in the Brownlow to Patrick Cripps, while Charlie Cameron was also named in the All-Australian side.
The Hope
Will Ashcroft
Father-son gun Will Ashcroft is set to join Brisbane in 2023, with draft gurus tipping the 18-year-old to go pick one in the National Draft.
Following in the footsteps of his dad, Marcus, the midfielder has taken the year by storm, dominating for both Sandringham Dragons and Victoria Metro.
According to Fox Sports, the Lions and Ashcroft agreed to join forces next year.
Another accolade for Ashcroft.
— NAB League (@NABLeague) September 22, 2022
Vic Metro midfielder Will Ashcroft claimed the Larke Medal as the Best and Fairest player of the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys. pic.twitter.com/BVgtwQepeT
MCG Hoodoo is over
Round 21, 2014.
That was the last time Brisbane won at the MCG prior to defeating Melbourne in the semi final.
Losing 11 games in a row, including a seven-point defeat at the hands of Richmond in the season, the Lions finally overcame the external noise.
Having lost to the Demons twice in 2022 by an average of 61 points, the semi final looked to be doom and gloom.
However, records are designed to be broken and will give Brisbane enormous confidence heading into 2023 that they can do it on the road when it matters.
The Hurt
Round 20
Leading by 42 points against Richmond and looking like breaking the MCG Hoodoo, Brisbane somehow managed to shoot themselves in the foot, giving up the lead, the game and the curse.
The Lions showcased their best football in the first half against strong opposition but also proved why they are a bit off the pace.
Tom Lynch got a handle on the game in the second half and Fagan's men fell short once again, adding more pressure to their travelling success.
Preliminary final
Following an impressive two week period in the finals, the Lions gave themselves every chance against Geelong, with a grand final spot up for grabs.
Knocking off Richmond and Melbourne, Brisbane had their sights set on another upset and finding a way past the penultimate weekend.
However, the Cats had other plans and proved to the competition why they were the best, putting the Lions away by 71 points.
Although tipsters didn't expect a deep run by Brisbane in the finals, the way they bowed out was just as disappointing, missing out on an opportunity.
The Clanger
Fagan's involvement in racism scandal
Shortly after the loss to Geelong in the preliminary final, word broke loose that former Hawthorn players were subject to racism throughout their successful years.
Amid speculation, coaches Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan were named in the initial investigation as wrongdoers, with reports suggesting their behaviours were unacceptable.
Fagan has since taken a leave of absence from the club whilst the AFL launches an investigation into the claims made.
"If these allegations are proven, Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan will not coach again."
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) September 21, 2022
The Footy Classified panel discusses the Hawthorn report allegations.#9FootyClassified | Watch on @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/4gzVCcFGry
What do Brisbane need?
A stronger defence.
It is no shock that Brisbane's forward line is the best in the competition, led by Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher.
However, their defensive work needs improving if the Lions are going to take a step forward in 2023.
Ranked 10th in Points Against (1799), Fagan has his work cut out for him in the offseason.
Averaging 82 points against per game, Brisbane's opposition hit that mark and some on 11 occasions, with the club winning five of those encounters.
To assist in this matter would be to put more pressure on the opposition's ball carrier.
The Lions midfield must be able to run defensively in order to help their defenders, otherwise open themselves up to high scores.
Players linked to the club
Josh Dunkley has nominated Brisbane as his choice, with the Western Bulldog keen for a fresh start.
Dunkley listed the Lions as his preference over Port Adelaide and is set to join the Queensland club.
Jack Gunston has been signalled as a potential trade target, although is expected to stay at Hawthorn.
Lance Franklin was linked to the club but has since re-signed with Sydney.
Connor McKenna is another player the Lions have shown interest in, with the former Bomber looking to return to the AFL after flying back home to Ireland in 2020.
Out-of-contract players
| Player Name | Status |
| Callum Ah Chee | Out-of-contract |
| Tom Fullarton | Out-of-contract |
| Ryan Lester | Unrestricted Free Agent |
| Connor McFadyen | Out-of-contract |
Retirees and Delistings
| Player Name | Status |
| Mitch Robinson | Retired |
| Ely Smith | Delisted |
| Mitch Cox | Delisted |
| Deividas Uosis | Delisted |
