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Emerging Brisbane leader Jaspa Fletcher has warned the AFL’s chasing pack the two-time defending premiers are far from the finished product.
Fletcher turned 22 last week and is yet to add the second premiership cup tattoo to the 2024 winner’s ink that adorns his left ankle.
It’s a rare oversight in a career that’s seen the diligent half-back or wing play 68 consecutive games since his 2023 debut and earn a berth in the Lions’ leadership group under new captaincy trio Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley and Harris Andrews.
The quest for a third-straight premiership – and fourth consecutive grand final appearance – begins on Saturday against the Western Bulldogs.
Fletcher insists – with a fresh wave of talent and the likes of 37-year-old Dayne Zorko still among the side’s most influential players – there is no complacency, only a hunger to raise the bar.
“Yeah, that’s it … the talent we’ve got at this club is unbelievable to be honest and all our older guys as well that are still playing unbelievable footy that I’m able to learn off now,” he said on Tuesday.
Eight players aged 22 and under – more than a third of the team – played key roles in the Brisbane side that blew away Geelong in the grand final last September.
“We’ve got some young boys like (draftee) Dan Annable and even Levi (Ashcroft), Sam (Marshall), Ty (Gallop) … I could go on forever,” Fletcher said.
“We’re spoiled for choice up here, and we’ve just got to continue to develop.”
West Coast recruit Oscar Allen (concussion) and Cameron Rayner (leg) were not full participants in Tuesday’s light session but still did enough to suggest they could run out on Saturday.
There will be a selection clog regardless with Lincoln McCarthy and Keidean Coleman both fit after two consecutive injury-hit seasons saw them miss both flags.
“To get them a flag would be unbelievable,” Fletcher said.
McCarthy had back-to-back anterior cruciate ligament tears but has pushed his case for an AFL recall thanks to his versatility – playing in the backline and forwards – in the pre-season.
“To hear Linc’s story in Geelong, where he just kept getting injured, and then comes up here and plays unbelievable footy but unfortunately, the last two years haven’t been ideal for him,” Fletcher said.
“He looks absolutely fit this year and he’s, I think, ready to go.
“And same with Kiddy (Coleman) … the last two years have been a roller coaster for him, but he looks really smooth and ready to go as well.”
