2022 Numbers:
Points Against (Brennan Jakovich Shield): 1799 - 10th
Inside 50's Against Per Goal: 4.22 - 13th
Scarlett Silvagni Medal Votes: 21 - 13th
Defenders: Keys: Marcus Adams, Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner, Darragh Joyce, Jack Payne
General: Noah Answerth, Keidean Coleman, Ryan Lester, James Madden, Conor McKenna, Carter Michael, Daniel Rich, Brandon Starcevich, Darcy Wilmot
In: Darragh Joyce, Conor McKenna
Out: Deividas Uosis (delisted)
Defence wasn't Brisbane's main focus in 2022, and while at times it worked well for them, at other times it was their Achilles heel.
They allowed in scores of 115, 104 and 120 in Round 23, The Elimination Final and Preliminary final respectively, and despite their high final ladder position, recorded some of the worst points against stats in the competition.
That's not to say there isn't some serious talent in Brisbane's backline, with captain Harris Andrews a two time All Australian, supported by Marcus Adams and Jack Payne in the key stocks, and talented mediums and smalls such as Answerth, Rich and Starcevich supporting this.
Brisbane don't seem to be showing any promise of changing their attacking-at-all-costs style of football in 2023, with the only addition they have made to their backline the running half-back Irishman, Conor McKenna, who is returning to the AFL after a two-season hiatus.
Darcy Wilmot showed there is much to be excited about in last year's finals series, and Keidean Coleman was a highlights reel at times last year, so there is still much to like about Brisbane heading into 2023.
The main questions are likely to be more around game style than talent, as Brisbane look to make the most out of a period of successful home and away seasons that have thus far resulted in just the three finals wins.
With Jack Payne seemingly injured already, pressure will be on newly appointed Co-Captain Harris Andrews, and perhaps even former St Kilda rookie Darragh Joyce, who may have joined the club just in time during the supplemental player period.
Back Pocket Rating: B
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