What's in their favour? Plenty to like about the Lions' future, the past three seasons having introduced and developed a stack of kids into the mix of still-performing premiership heroes such as Jonathan Brown, Simon Black, Luke Power and Nigel Lappin. The likes of Jed Adcock, Michael Rischitelli, Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Merrett and Joel Patfull are important contributors now. Then there's the return from injury of Daniel Bradshaw, the class of a more consistent Jared Brennan and star recruit Travis Johnstone.
What's not? Brisbane's backline stood up well last season, but is reliant on some still-developing types who could be more prone to form lapses through the rigours of a long year. Veterans Brown, Black, Power and Lappin, all top five in last year's best and fairest, likewise must continue to stand up for Brisbane to be a danger. And the Gabba doesn't seem to present nearly the same level of intimidation it once did, the Lions winning just over half their home games in 2007.
STEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT? Melbourne's Johnstone has already been dubbed a potential recruit of the year and could make a huge and immediate impact at his new club. Young ruckman Matthew Leuenberger made a big impression late in 2007 and looks set to continue his emergence, Rhan Hooper is an exciting goalsneak capable of a lot more than the glimpses shown so far. Justin Sherman is ready to atone for a disappointing 2007, and draftee Lachie Henderson seems capable of making an impact early in his AFL career.
In their wildest dreams? The established stars continue to deliver the goods - Brown the absolute key - the up-and-comers continue their steady learning curve and a couple of more-experienced, mid-tier players find another level. All of which will make a meaningful position in the final eight a real possibility.
The reality? Brisbane is one of the harder teams to draw a line through in 2008, its wild inconsistency last season a factor, but so, too, its dependence still on older hands. Then, at the other end of the scale, is the unpredictability of youth. Prepare for some big ups and downs.
ROBERT WALLS 12th Leigh Matthews has introduced loads of fresh talent to this team and, while the Lions are willing workers, the skills and hardness levels need to lift. They will be hard to beat at home and, with luck, could surprise.
ROHAN CONNOLLY 11th The Lions still have some tremendous talent at the top end of the list and promising kids at the other. The key will be the durability of the former and continued development of the latter. Expect plenty of inconsistency.
