Brisbane Lion livewire Zac Bailey says he is ‘stronger and fitter’ ahead of season 2025
Brisbane’s Zac Bailey has overcome an injury niggle and declared himself stronger and fitter ahead of the Lions’ push for back-to-back premierships.
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Brisbane Lions livewire Zac Bailey has fired a warning to the rest of the competition, saying he has come back “stronger and fitter” than he was last season.
Bailey, who played 22 games in 2024, carried a niggling ankle injury through the back half of the year.
But the 25-year-old says he is back to full strength and is eager to rediscover consistency in his performances.
“I am feeling really good, I did my ankle halfway through last and I didn’t really get it right for the rest for the rest of the season,” he said.
“It’s been nice to come back after this off-season with it feeling really good, I feel like I have come back stronger and fitter and really excited for the season to start.
“As a team, the main goal is to win the premiership again. I think everyone is really motivated to try and get there again and win it.
“For me, I would like to get some consistency in my footy. I think last year was a bit inconsistent.”
Bailey kicked 22 goals last season, his smallest tally since 2020, as a result of being used further up the ground.
He prefers to play forward and hit the scoreboard but understands his capacity to play multiple roles is a strength.
“I think it was a little bit of a change and getting my head around that,” he said.
“I spent a lot of time playing forward, inside (midfield) and ended up playing on the wing, which is a bit more of a structured role, getting used to that.
“It would be nice to be able to play one position and get some consistency in that role, but I think one my strengths is my flexibility and being able to play multiple roles.
“I have played inside, half forward, wing, inside and have even played half back, so I think that’s also one of my strengths, and I think it’s on me to get a good understanding on those roles just in case I need to play them.”
The Lions are expected to welcome back forward Lincoln McCarthy from an ACL injury, while No. 4 draft pick Levi Ashcroft is firming for an early debut.
Bailey says the competition for spots is healthy and will only improve the Lions as a collective.
“I think with all those boys coming back from injury, and all the young guys taking another step in their footy, there’s definitely tightness for spots,” he said.
“But I think it’s a good thing when it’s like that, everyone tries to improve and wants a spot, which improves the squad as a whole.”
Originally published as Brisbane Lion livewire Zac Bailey says he is ‘stronger and fitter’ ahead of season 2025
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