If you're a team, you've got to have one; a mascot is a defining part of a team's fandom and, in some cases, helps usher in a new wave of fans during their childhood. The idea behind them is to empower and believe it or not, they are still a representation of the club's image.

When I was a kid, I had a love for mascots and their image, whether it was waiting in line for a picture, collecting their footy cards or waiting till they made the journey around to the ground for a high-five and picture.

By using what's left of my childhood wonder, I set out to rank each club's mascot based on creativity, design and overall feel to see which ones in the league stand out as the best.

5Brisbane Lions - Roy the Lion

Brisbane has hit the perfect mark in not making the mascot too scary for kids while still being intimidating. The mane isn't too fluffy or distracting and the headpiece is a great shape. The only downside I'd say is the uncanny eyes that dart off to the side.

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