The Lions have the personnel but their struggles through the opening half of 2024 are starting to open holes in their premiership pursuit.
With a string of key senior players are sidelined the Lions might look toward adding to their depth for the future, while a shake-up of their draft hand also awaits.
Luring local talent will always be a focus to the Queensland club, with some names from the Sunshine State still off-contract in 2025.
These are five trade options for Brisbane to consider this year...
OTHER TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD
A product from Broadbeach, Queensland given his time in the Suns Academy, would Scott be suited to a move back north?
The Roos ball-winner has seen his magnet thrown around the ground under Alastair Clarkson this season as the likes of Zac Fisher, Colby McKercher and Harry Sheezel slot into preferred roles across half-back or on the wing.
Scott has held his spot in the side and is still playing at a good level, but his role isn't giving him the same output that saw him enjoy a career-best year in 2023.
With the Lions potentially looking at outside midfield options or half-backs, and with Scott's future unsettled, a move to Brisbane could benefit both parties.
Another Queensland product who is off-contract, the Lions might be keen to lure back their former Academy prospect in Ryan.
Brisbane are still working through the development of Kalin Lane and Henry Smith, who are still unknown commodities, while Darcy Fort is the only other supporting option for Oscar McInerney.
While serviceable as a backup ruck, Fort often struggles when utilised in attack. A better-suited option might be Ryan, who has proven to be a promising ruck-forward hybrid.
He could eventually succeed Mcinernery as the club's first-string ruckman and still pressing a case as a tall forward option before then.
With the All-Australian forward an unrestricted free agent in 2024, a move for Stengle would come at no cost to Brisbane's draft hand.
The Cat small forward is yet to secure his future beyond this season and is said to be in the sights of several rivals, and Brisbane might be keen to join the queue and potentially secure a successor for Charlie Cameron.
Stengle would immediately slot into the opposing forward pocket and add to a lethal front third under Chris Fagan.
It'd be a difficult play to pull off, but if the Lions have the cap room then Stengle could a the suitable target going forward.
Is the former Pick 6 selection someone who could have interest from Brisbane?
Grainger-Barras is unsigned beyond this season and could consider a change in environment after a difficult start to his career with the Hawks.
While Hawthorn might be keen to retain the Western Australian, the Lions could look to make a move for the off-contract key defender and add him to their rearguard stocks.
As a depth option who could press his case and place pressure on Chris Fagan's senior side, Grainger-Barras would also learn from one of the best in the business in Brisbane skipper Harris Andrews.
A different idea here, but one the Lions will certainly be considering given their ties to two exciting draft prospects this year.
Brisbane are set to gain another top five draft fancy and father-son gun in the form of Levi Ashcroft, who, like his brother Will almost did, could earn a bid with the first pick at November's draft.
Add in Academy gun Sam Marshall's chances of landing in the top 20 of the draft, and the Lions' draft plans pivot to points over high picks.
Their struggles to start the season have them holding Pick 6 prior to Round 13, with that select likely to get swallowed up in any rival bid for Ashcroft's services.
So parting with that pick for a heap of later selections would only strengthen the Lions' tally of draft points.
A club like Richmond, who hold eight picks outside of the first round, could be keen to make a deal for Brisbane's opening selection.