admin
Lions Target Eagles Star as Daniher’s Long-Term Successor**
Brisbane is making a strong push to lure West Coast’s Oscar Allen to Queensland, with the Eagles forward seen as a prime addition to the Lions’ squad next season.
Reports suggest the Lions have already engaged in discussions with Allen, who will become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2025 season. The 25-year-old is viewed as the ideal long-term replacement for Joe Daniher, who retired after Brisbane’s premiership triumph last year.
Lions midfielder Jarrod Berry expressed excitement about the prospect of Allen joining the club but emphasized that recruitment decisions are out of the players’ hands.
“I’d love to see it happen—he’d be a great addition,” Berry said. “But we’ll leave that up to the list manager. Our focus is on winning football games.”
For now, Berry is backing the current squad to step up in Daniher’s absence, highlighting the progress of off-season recruit Sam Day, young talent Logan Morris, and versatile big man Darcy Fort. Returning from long-term knee injuries, Darcy Gardiner and Linc McCarthy also add depth to Brisbane’s attacking options.
“They’ve all been impressive,” Berry noted. “Sammy Day is getting a solid pre-season under his belt after some injury setbacks at Gold Coast. Logan is developing incredibly well—his leadership is growing, and I expect him to take another big step this year.
“Forty (Fort) can play ruck, go forward—he does it all. He’s been setting the standard on the track. Then there’s ‘Dizzy’ (Gardiner) and Linc, who are both strong in the air and at ground level. We’ve got plenty of options.”
Berry acknowledged the challenge of filling Daniher’s void but believes Brisbane’s squad depth and natural development will help the club adapt.
“There’s a big hole where Joey left, but I’m confident in our group’s ability to share the load,” he said. “That’s what this club is built on—everyone playing their role.”
While Allen’s potential arrival remains uncertain, Berry spoke highly of his leadership qualities. However, he admitted Daniher’s absence would be felt both on and off the field.
“Joe was a special footballer—you don’t come across players like him often,” he said. “I’m lucky to have played alongside him. He had the ability to win games single-handedly.
“We probably owe our premiership to Joey slotting that goal against GWS in the semi-final.”
With or without Allen, the Lions are gearing up for another strong campaign as they look to defend their title.
About The Author
