All eyes will be on Brisbane's star recruit Brendan Fevola when the Lions open their campaign against West Coast next weekend, but vice-captain Daniel Merrett is tipping big things from Matt Maguire, the fresh face that is expected to hold down centre half-back for the club.
Maguire was offered a lifeline by Lions coach Michael Voss in the off-season after a host of injuries curtailed a promising career with St Kilda, the club that drafted him in 2001 with the 21st selection overall.
The Lions completed a gruelling 'fully contested training session' on Thursday - the club's last chance for match practice before the start of the AFL season.
The squad was split into what was assumedly 'probables' and 'possibles' and the two sides took part in three 30-minute stanzas of football under match conditions.
With Fevola rested and captain Jonathan Brown in Melbourne for the AFL launch, Maguire was not given the thorough testing he may have wanted.
Nonetheless the hard-running defender smothered Matt Austin and impressed while spending time on Aaron Cornelius and most notably Jared Brennan.
Maguire also drifted forward and kicked two goals, including an impressive effort from the cusp of the 50m arc.
Merrett, who was playing alongside Maguire for the first time, liked what he saw.
"I saw Josh Drummond mention to him that there is only room for one half-back flanker that kicks goals, so those two will fight it out this year, we might have a new quarterback," Merrett told Sportal with a wry smile.
"He had a great night ... and he's done quite well pre-season, he has really helped me step up my training intensity in the gym and also on the track - he's a great bloke to have around."
Lions assistant Jade Rawlings was understandably cagey about the makeup of the club's side for Round 1, suggesting there are 26 players vying for the 22 positions.
Rawlings was unwilling to confirm Maguire has nailed down the centre half-back position, but the 25-year-old received a vote of confidence from Merrett.
"To have another big body down there would be great," Merrett said.
"These days the forward lines are so versatile - you can't afford to be pigeonholed as a 'big man' - you're always going to end up on smaller forwards, which Goose is capable of."
"He has fit in really well with the whole defensive group ... and the experience he brings, that's one of his great assets."
"We're really happy to have him at the club, and so far what he's brought to the table has been awesome."
"I've only played with him once, but we communicated really well tonight and I'm looking forward to playing alongside him."
Fevola was a notable absentee from the intra-club match, but Rawlings allayed any drama by assuring the media that he was simply being rested, just like Amon Buchanan.
"He hasn't missed a game and has hardly missed a training session throughout the summer, so he won't play this afternoon - it will just be more of an extended training session for him," Rawlings said.