Reigning premiers Brisbane should only be stronger in 2025 as they prepare to welcome back a handful of players from long-term setbacks, as well as adding one of last year's top draft stars.

The Lions' prospects for the coming season did take a hit in the wake of their grand final thumping over Sydney however, with spearhead Joe Daniher stunningly deciding to call time on his career at the summit.

Nevertheless, the Lions have the cattle to contend again and potentially defend their flag in 2025 given the strength of their list and the depth of youngsters knocking on the door for call-ups.

Here we name Brisbane's best 23 side for the coming season, breaking down each positional line.

Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, only excluding players who are expected to miss most/all of the season through injury/suspension.

3. Forwards

There is some mystery about what the Lions forward line will look like in 2025 given the exit of Joe Daniher and the return of Lincoln McCarthy.

Brisbane signed former Gold Coast tall Sam Day as further forward depth to combat the loss of Daniher, but whether the 32-year-old is a starter remains to be seen.

On top of premiership pair Eric Hipwood and Logan Morris, Chris Fagan could decide to name Day in his attack or ruck-forward hybrid Brandon Ryan, while defender Darcy Gardiner was trialled as a forward last year also.

The key forwards area is the only one that will need to find answers this year, with the Lions now stacked for smalls in their front third.

Charlie Cameron, Cam Rayner, Zac Bailey, Kai Lohmann and Callum Ah Chee were all pivotal in the club's flag run last year and will now have competition once again from the aforementioned McCarthy.

The Lions have also flagged Levi Ashcroft could start his career at half-forward, giving Fagan more to consider with his starting side.