Fresh off a second straight flag, the Lions didn't sit still and ensured their prospects for another premiership tilt in 2026 with an aggressive off-season of player movement.

Utilising free agency, Brisbane acquired West Coast captain Oscar Allen and Essendon ruckman Sam Draper, who could both be sizeable signings if they return to peak fitness and form in the Queensland capital.

While multiple premiership Lions have also changed clubs, Chris Fagan's squad is only stronger than it was last September, with the club's fresh faces, emerging stars and depth chart all combining to have the Lions sitting as the flag favourites early in 2026.

Here we select Brisbane's best 23 lineup for 2026...

Midfielders

It's hard to argue that the Lions are home to the best midfield unit in the AFL. 

Will Ashcroft, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage headline a ball-winning pack littered with the game's top line, while most clubs would crave an outside option like Jarrod Berry.

He paired nicely with Levi Ashcroft as the club's wing duo, and that partnership is likely to continue in 2026.

Sam Marshall ended his rookie season with a premiership medal, and it could be Dan Annable's turn this year after the Lions Academy product made his case as a ready-made midfielder in his draft year.

The young pair join James Tunstill and mature-aged draftee Tai Hayes in being names who will press their case from VFL level early into the new season.

Then you factor in the quality half-forwards of Zac Bailey and Cam Rayner, who will both get their share of midfield action as front-half threats.

The ruck tandem will be an interesting watch across the course of the year, with Draper potentially ready for the start of the season after his Achilles injury in 2025.

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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Josh Dunkley of the Lions celebrates as the final siren sounds during the 2023 AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Carlton Blues at The Gabba on September 23, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Once fit and firing, does the ex-Bomber share the ruck workload with Darcy Fort, who is now a two-time premiership player? 

The Lions have liked to use two rucks, and with no key forward of theirs having a known ability to pinch-hit, Draper and Fort could both be used in the same side - a decision that will be aided by the new five-player interchange. 

There's also no discoutning Henry Smith's selection chances, with the fringe big man consistently looking too good for VFL level last year. 

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