Six Lions earn All Australian mentions, as only three made the cut for final team
Photo: Logan Morris (left), Harris Andrews (middle), Zac Bailey (right) together on awards night with their All-Australian blazers (Photo by Michael Wilson/AFL Photos)
Now with one of AFL’s awards nights done and dusted, we look at the Lions who were selected in the 2026 All Australian squad and final team. We also look at the boys in the 22under22 team conversation, contenders for goal and mark the year, the Brownlow medal and finally the most important, the murray Merrett Medal.
All Australian
The 2026 All Australian selection panel was kind to us, as six Lions made the 46-man squad. These included Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft, Logan Morris, Charlie Cameron, Harris Andrews and Zac Bailey. All had great seasons, in their respective roles. Unfortunately, only three boys made the final, including Logan Morris, Zac Bailey and our chief, Harris Andrews. There was major stories behind the boys who made the team like, star forward Logan Morris, in his third season, receiving his first blazer, Zac bailey with his second straight blazer and Harris Andrews with a fourth blazer all coming off great seasons. For the boys who missed out on the final team, watching Will not being selected was tough, and I think most neutrals would agree, it was one of the biggest All Australian snubs in recent history. Averaging 28 disposals for th year and average 33 and a goal for the last 9 weeks, you would have thought the two-time norm smith Medalist would hav been a lock for his first blazer but sometimes it’s not meant to be.
Personally, I thought exciting small forward kai Lohmann and emerging young defender Darcy Wilmot was stiff to miss the AA 46-man squad after both having really consistent seasons. Lohmann with his career high 46 goals across the year and him averaging 2 goals a game, which for a forward is great. Wilmot’s dash on the half back is also tough to beat. Additionally, you could argue that Lachie was stiff to miss the team as he averaged 30 disposals, the thing that separates him from Will is his consistency. After his off-season drama, we were all wondering how he would react on the field. By far he suppressed those expectations, letting his footy doing the talking and perform arguably one of his best seasons yet.
22under22 team
The 22under22 team is a representative team that aims to recognize the best young talent the AFL. To be eligible for this award, players must be aged 22 or under for the entire season. Initially, a 40 man squad gets selected. Then they narrow it down to a final 23. The AFL players’ association picked five of our very own Lions Cubs for the initial 40-man squad. These included: Logan Morris, Will Ashcroft, Darcy Wilmot, Jaspa Fletcher and Levi Ashcroft. Overall, four boys made it, Will Ashcroft’s, Logan Morris, Jaspa Fletcher and Darcy Wilmot got selected for the final 23. You could argue, exciting small forward Kai Lohman was possibly stiff to miss out on the 46 man squad but overall a fantastic represent and a great insight into the new upcoming Brisbane Lions we will see in future years.
Along with this, I believe there are some boys who are on the verge of this selection, one example a very talented, versatile player in Ty Gallop, weve seen glimpses of him, like his three goal performance in last year’s preliminary final at the MCG against Collingwood and him playing some excellent footy down back throughout this year. Another player who has the potential for this mention is Lions academy player Sam Marshall. Marshall hasn’t been given many shots at the AFL level, but he looks to be a pure future A-grader, someone who the Lions should be looking to play in years to come, should he stay at the Lions.
Goal and mark of the year
Throughout the year, there were some outstanding goals from some boys. There are some real good contenders for goal of the year. Some examples include: Will Ashcroft’s left foot from the pocket in our rund 4 win against the pies at the gabba. Another good shot in Lincoln McCarthy’s dribble kick from the pocket in our gather roun win over North Melbourne. Will Ashcroft backed up his goal contender with another ripper on the opposite foot to his one in round five. Finally, Conor Mckenna also has a rwsonable chance for this award with his unbelievable soccer in the pocket of the MCG in our round 24 win over Collingwood.
Also, there are some contenders for mark of the year with Charlie Cameron up for nomination with his mark in the goal square in our win over Port Adeldie in round 20. Additionally, exciting backan Darcy Wilmot has a nomination with his great leap down at Geelong in round 17.
Brownlow Medal
The Lions is known for having some great players with brownlows to their name. Some names include: two timer, Lachie Neale, Michael Voss and Simon Black. All fantastic players with great history to their name. With aother season done, the Liona have got two players in particular who are expected to poll votes. Lachie Neale and Will Ashcroft are set to poll a reasonable amount of votes and are both, I would say are equally as good a chance to finish in the top 10 of the brownlow. Lachie having a sensational first half of the season, but unfortunately dropped off quite noticeably in the xecond half but will poll nicely in what could be his last season in the our colors. Will Ashcroft also has a great opportunity as he does rank in the top 5 in the Brownlow predictor. A outstanding 2nd half of the season gives our prince his shot but isn’t expected to win it. They are the real good chances for the boys but other than possibly names like Dunkley and Morris to poll, that’s a wrap for the Brownlow for us.
