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...
Forwards
The addition of Allen is a sizeable one for the Lions, who have managed to find their Joe Daniher replacement after securing a flag without him.
While the departed Eagles spearhead will be key in the club's hunt for a third straight premiership, you get the sense it's third-year forward Logan Morris that will cause the most headaches for the opposition.
The smaller-sized key forward kicked 53 goals in 2025, often taking on the opposition's best defender given Eric Hipwood's absence.
A trio of Morris, Allen and Hipwood is enticing, however the latter will miss some time to start the year due to further concerns with a recent ACL injury.
Premiership forward Ty Gallop will step up in his place, as he did so well last September, as is the embarrassment of riches Brisbane has with their tall forward stocks.
The quality doesn't drop at ground level either, with the aforementioned Rayner and Bailey being the zippy goalsneaks who work tirelessly up and down the ground.
That star pairing combined for 78 goals last year, stepping up to the plate as both Kai Lohmann and Charlie Cameron worked through regressions.
Should Cameron and Lohmann return to their best form, there may be no stopping Brisbane's attacking tandem.
If their poorer form extends into this season, then expect Will McLachlan to be ready to make his mark, while Lincoln McCarthy is also eyeing his long-awaited return from injury.
