Kate McCarthy and Kaitlyn Ashmore showed on countless occasions how damaging an outside running game can be, while the decision to draft Jordan Zanchetta could offer another damaging threat on the exterior. 

Weaknesses

While Emily Bates and Megan Hunt are commendable midfielders, the Lions biggest weakness remains their contested midfield game.

Brisbane were the bottom rated team in the league in both clearances and centre clearances in 2017 and it became their eventual downfall against the Crows in the Grand Final, losing the clearances 29-11 and contested possessions 133-112.

Key Player: Sabrina Frederick-Traub

There were only five players in the competition who ranked in the top ten for goals, marks inside 50 and contested marks last season, including Frederick-Traub. However, unlike the remaining four players, apart from league MVP Erin Phillips, the Lions’ marquee split her time between the forward line and ruck. The loss of Tayla Harris will see more responsibility fall on Frederick-Traub at the goal face this season and the decision to draft 186cm ruckman Jessy Keefe should alleviate her from her ruck duties to supplement her dominance in games.

One to Watch: Jordan Zanchetta

After missing the inaugural AFL Womens season due to an ACL tear, midfielder Jordan Zanchetta will finally get her opportunity with the Lions this season. Described as the most talented player not to appear in the first instalment of AFLW, Zanchetta was named an All-Australian at youth level and became a joint-winner of the QWAFL Best and Fairest. Brisbane wasted no time in drafting the 22-year old either, selecting her with their first pick and seventh overall in the 2017 AFL Women’s draft.