Hello Captain, Goodbye Coach

It was a huge day for the Brisbane Lions today, probably their biggest since Grand Final day 2004. Jonathan Brown signing was the bigger surprise of the day. All signs pointed to Brown leaving the Lions for more money, security and perhaps a greater shot at a flag. He did not though, the Captain remained loyal to the only club he has known in his time in the league. Four years was the compromise that was expected, and the one that was reached. It's a fantastic deal for the Lions. They get their superstar for the remainder of his prime, and more than likely before he starts to genuinely decline. The deal with end with Brown 29 and almost 30. If Brown is still willing to play on the Lions would be able to offer him a 1 or 2 year deal at a reduced rate. Just a great deal all round for the Lions. It's not too bad for Jonathan Brown either. He certainly enhances his reputation as a true team player, someone that puts the team before his own personal interests. He gets a lengthy deal, gets to captain his team, and is part of a team with potential to contend in the near future.

The bigger story of the day has been the sudden retirement of Leigh Matthews, with a year still left on his contract. Matthews had been very unenthusiastic about his position as Brisbane coach, so the decision doesn't come as that great of a surprise. Given his age and lifelong dedication to football you've got to expect that Leigh Matthews is done. He'll exit being arguably the greatest all-round football person with a total of eight playing/coaching premierships. Good luck to him and what he chooses to do in life.

Michael Voss is now a virtual lock to take over as Lions coach. Whether or not this is a good thing remains to be seen. The ideal preparation for Voss would be to assistant coach West Coast for two years, then join the Lions with that experience under his belt. Lots of holes in this plan though, whose to say that the Lions top position will be vacant in 2011? Voss will learn on the job, and such is his legend he'll be given plenty of time to prove himself.

The Lions are the hardest team in the competition to peg. They could just as easily finish 4th as they could 14th. Last year in the mid-late portion of the season they were the best team in the competition. This year they lost to Carlton (at home), Richmond and Melbourne. They've got a supremely talented midfield - Jamie Charman is an elite ruckman, Simon Black is one of the ten best players in the comp, Luke Power is a great #2 guy, Travis Johnstone is one of the most skillful players going round, and Michael Rischitelli is a gun - and obviously a super forward line. They've got the pieces to really have a shot next year, and they'll be hoping Michael Voss is the one to take them to the next level.