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This has been far from the season Kai Lohmann envisioned when he first cemented his name in Brisbane Lions folklore.
From a four-goal grand final hero, to frantically striving to overcome injury concerns, the livewire forward has endured a frustrating 2025 campaign.
Yet while the 22-year-old admits his ordeal challenged his resolve – calf and ankle problems keeping him to just 14 games – his comeback against Hawthorn in the final round showed promise.
After his two quick goals triggered a Brisbane momentum swing, he declared he was ready to peak at the right time - starting with Geelong on Friday.
“It’s been a difficult year with my body, but ... I’ve had a little bit of time off to get my body right for finals, and I’m feeling good,” Lohmann said.
“I didn’t get to achieve the things I wanted to, but it’s motivating to try to get back, play well and finish off the year. [I’ve learned] your body’s not always 100 per cent, and the resilience coming back and trying to find form.
Lohmann celebrates kicking one of his goals against Hawthorn.Credit: via Getty Images
“I have full faith in my body now, and hopefully, I can keep rolling from that.”
Last year, the Lions relied on their rising stars to inject energy and unpredictability en route to their grand final triumph.
Lohmann was joined by Logan Morris, Will Ashcroft, Jaspa Fletcher and Darcy Wilmot as the rookies tasked with shell-shocking the competition.
Each man lifted the trophy – Ashcroft finishing with the Norm Smith Medal as his younger brother, Levi, prepared to join The Den.
But now, as the defending champions, they will need to find another gear.
While the Ashcrofts are expected to be supported in the midfield by the returning Lachie Neale and Jarrod Berry, Wilmot’s importance has only strengthened in the injury absence of star defender Jack Payne.
Wilmot was lauded by coach Chris Fagan as one of the competition’s more underrated players with a knack for making “things happen” as he pushed further up field when he sensed an opportunity.
The pair share a close bond from Wilmot’s 78 consecutive appearances since his 2022 elimination final debut, with the 21-year-old often spotted giving his coach a cheeky ‘wet willie’.
“It’s just me being me, annoying people – Fages will do it on photo day,” Wilmot laughed.
But while he has given an unflappable impression in finals, Wilmot stressed how it looked was not necessarily how he felt.
“I don’t think anyone’s ever comfortable [in finals], and I think it’s a good way to be – you don’t want to be comfortable in that environment, you want to be a little on the edge,” Wilmot said.
“But I do back my confidence and abilities that when I’m on that stage I back what I can do and trust my teammates and in our team that we can all play our role and get the job done.
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“I like to be underrated, when you go under the radar and don’t have too much attention on you, you can play good football each week.”
While the quintet have solidified their reputations, Morris has risen to a whole new level and filled the void left by the retired Joe Daniher.
The 20-year-old has doubled his goals tally of 2024, which has included three five-goal hauls while becoming the first Lion since Jonathan Brown to kick six goals at the MCG.
It is a breakout year Lohmann sensed early on was nearing.
“He puts a lot of work into his game, and he’s really diligent and had a big preseason,” Lohmann said.
“We spend a lot of time together and do a lot of training together, so there’s no doubt I knew he was going to do pretty good. He’s obviously got a lot to go, and I think he can get better than what he is.
“We’ve missed big Joey, but obviously Saucy [Morris] has done pretty well this year, and he’s come a long way.”
According to Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews, the Lion cubs were not finished yet, and were ready to hit new heights come the finals series.
“This year’s provided great opportunities for those guys to step up off the back of a few injuries,” Andrews said.
“Jaspa Fletcher and Darcy Wilmot have been integral members of our backline throughout the whole season, and bring real joy to the faces of us older guys who have been around the traps for a little bit longer.
“They play with great energy, and they’re just so sure out on the field and so confident in their own ability.
“Hopefully, the experiences they’ve had will hold them in good stead. We’re really excited for the opportunity those guys have, but also long-term what these opportunities are doing for them.”
