Brisbane veteran Ryan Lester believes that Noah Answerth and Keidean Coleman can fill the defensive vacancy left by Brandon Starcevich in 2026.
After Brandon Starcevich left the Lions for the Eagles during the off-season, who was a key piece in the Lions premiership side, Brisbane will look internally for his replacement.
A Dual premiership player with the Lions, Starcevich was traded to the West Coast Eagles during the off-season, wishing to return to his home state of WA, and help guide and develop the young Eagles side.
Answerth and Coleman, who both missed significant time through injury in 2025, will be vying for the void in Chris Fagan's side.
"Obviously, we lose Starch (Starcevich) this year, which creates a hole, and someone else gets an opportunity if you like", Lester said.
"We also had Noz (Noah Answerth) and Kiddy (Keidean Coleman) miss large parts of last year. So there's going to be a squeeze.
"We've got a good mix of experience and youth in there. You know, there are seven to ten of us who have played a large part in the last couple of years.
"You know, guys like Luke Lloyd and Zane Zakostelsky are really impressing and improving. So like any club, we've got lots of options, and it's exciting."
Answerth established himself in the Lions side late in 2024, which resulted in claiming a flag, whilst also being first choice last year before his season-ending injury.
"There aren't many players that play like him in the competition as well as he does, but you'd probably say Noah Answerth is a pretty similar player and very reliable, can play on those really dangerous small forwards," Lester said.
"So, we lose someone of good quality, but we think we've got enough quality players to fill that gap."
Former Bulldog and Blue, Liam Jones, has joined the Lions as a development coach, who will add more experience and knowledge to the Lions' defence.
Jones retired after 17 seasons and 205 games in the top flight as a key defender.
"It's always good having guys who have just transitioned down to the game, and guys from different clubs who bring different ideas and maybe see the game differently," Lester added.
"He's been great. He obviously works with the tall guys a lot, particularly the young guys, in terms of their body work and that sort of stuff."
The Lions kick off their 2026 campaign against the Western Bulldogs in Opening Round on Saturday, March 7.
