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.
The Lions' backline will regain multiple assets who will only strengthen Chris Fagan's rearguard further, as dashing defender Keidean Coleman and unutilised 2023 recruit Tom Doedee prepare to return from ACL injuries.
Coleman should slot back into a running role alongside Dayne Zorko and Darcy Wilmot, with the latter potentially in line for a role further up the field. Zorko flourished in Coleman's absence with a move to defence and should remain with the back six for 2025.
Lockdown backman Brandon Starcevich will continue his role as the go-to defender for the opposition's best small forward threats.
Doedee will complement Harris Andrews and Jack Payne nicely, likely taking the baton from premiership stopper Ryan Lester this year. Fellow tall Darcy Gardiner might again be used as a forward, particularly after Joe Daniher's exit.
The Lions will also have Conor McKenna, Noah Answerth, Bruce Reville and Shadeau Brain as depth options for defence for the coming season.
Brisbane may be home to the best midfield group in the competition, with co-captain and dual Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale headlining the club's ball-winning brigade.
He will be joined by Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley in the middle, with Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft to contend for a starting role at centre clearances also.
Ashcroft could force McCluggage back to the wing, with Jarrod Berry, Darcy Wilmot, Jaspa Fletcher and Deven Robertson also able to add some run on the outside.
The Lions aren't short of impactful depth options either, with forwards Cam Rayner and Zac Bailey likely to get looks in the middle while Pick 5 selection Levi Ashcroft looks to break into the premiership-winning side.
Oscar McInerney will resume his role as the No.1 ruck in the Queensland capital but will again be supported by backup talls Darcy Fort and Henry Smith.
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.
FB: Tom Doedee, Jack Payne, Dayne Zorko
HB: Keidean Coleman, Harris Andrews, Brandon Starcevich
C: Hugh McCluggage, Will Ashcroft, Darcy Wilmot
HF: Cam Rayner, Logan Morris, Zac Bailey
FF: Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood, Kai Lohmann
FO: Oscar McInerney, Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley
I/C: Callum Ah Chee, Jaspa Fletcher, Lincoln McCarthy, Jarrod Berry
SUB: Conor McKenna
Others to consider: Levi Ashcroft, Darcy Gardiner, Deven Robertson, Sam Day, Darcy Fort, Shadeau Brain, Ryan Lester, Bruce Reville, Noah Answerth, Brandon Ryan