The Brisbane Lions have announced an expanded six-man leadership group for 2016 to be headed by second-year captain Tom Rockliff. Dayne Beams and Daniel Merrett will join Rockliff as Vice-Captains alongside Dayne Zorko, Pearce Hanley and Daniel Rich.

It is not the first time Merrett has been in the leadership group. Now in his 14th season with the Club, he was part of the leadership group from 2009-2014, stepping aside last year to take up a mentoring role in the back line.

Beams, who arrived at Brisbane from Collingwood at the start of 2015, will assume a role in the Lions' leadership team in just his second year at the Club. After 7 years in the AFL system, Beams is confident that he has the experience required to assist in the development of the team's young side.

General Manager of Football Matthew Francis said Rockliff’s captaincy would be complimented by the group.

"Pearce Hanley, together with Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich, are a strong voice both on and off the field," Francis said.

"After 12 months out of the leadership group taking on a mentoring role, Daniel Merrett will return which is great to see, he’s a very important and respected figure within the playing group.

"We’re also pleased to see Dayne Beams step up – he has come off a terrific season in 2015, winning the Club’s Best and Fairest and is well respected around the Club."