Brisbane Lions 2026 Season Preview: AFL Outlook With Player List Updates

Their success has been built on sustained midfield strength, a structured game plan and a balance between seasoned leaders and rising stars. While continuity remains a key advantage, there are evolving dynamics around leadership, personnel changes and sustained intensity as expectations remain high.

Brisbane’s 2026 season is focused on maintaining standards at the top of the AFL. After consecutive flags, the club’s identity is no longer emerging. The Lions lead the competition’s recent era and must now balance the physical demands of a full season with the psychological challenge of being the benchmark.

Leadership has shifted this season with Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley named co-captains, following Lachie Neale stepping aside from the leadership group. This reinforces the club’s depth of leaders but also marks a clear transition in how the player group defines itself on and off the field.

The core list remains strong and experienced, with players like Andrews, McCluggage, Dunkley and Charlie Cameron still central. Emerging leaders such as Will Ashcroft continue to assert themselves after elite finals performances.

Brisbane’s midfield carries its reputation as one of the competition’s most complete units. McCluggage and Dunkley give the Lions class around stoppage, and Ashcroft’s continued development offers a second generation of elite ball winning. 

Their ability to shift between contested stoppages and open ground play allows the Lions to control tempo and territory in different match contexts.

The defence remains reliable under Harris Andrews, offering intercept marking and aerial strength. The structure around the key defenders continues to allow transitions that generate scoreboard pressure. 

In attack, Charlie Cameron remains elite at applying forward pressure and scoring consistently. Contributions from Oscar Allen after his off-season move and Sam Draper in the ruck add further flexibility to Brisbane’s forward setup.

Continuity of coaching and an established game plan allow Brisbane to enter the season without the disruption of installation periods that affect many other clubs. Players understand roles, rotations and strategic priorities across phases of play.

A key risk remains physical load on elite midfield generators. While depth exists, the Lions are tested across a long season at stoppages week-in, week-out. Any extended absence among Andrews, McCluggage, Dunkley or Ashcroft would create tactical challenges.

Changes to leadership and the departure of certain support players may have subtle effects on on-field communication and cohesion, particularly in high-pressure moments where instinctive alignment matters most.

Defensive structures are less exposed than some rivals but rely on midfield pressure to limit opposition scoring chains. If that midfield edge slips in contested situations, quick rebound football may hurt Brisbane against fast ball movement teams.

Brisbane’s midfield strength remains a defining feature but the dynamic is evolving. The Lions’ best football combines stoppage clearance, rebound and forward pressure. Will Ashcroft’s elite 2025 finals performances have solidified his status as a midfield game influencer. However, consistent output from the wider group will be necessary to sustain elite status across the full season.

Brisbane remain one of the most trusted bets for a high ladder finish. Their spine through midfield and defence backs a strong case for a top four position. 

From a betting perspective, the Lions are often better value in the Premiership Winner market. They are built for September and know how to peak at the right time of the season, which can mean some unexpected losses along the way, paying the small price for being in peak form for Finals Footy.