What AFL.com.au said:

Dan McStay is a defender

With a litany of injuries to their tall forwards last year, McStay was thrust into the relatively helpless role as the primary target, where he was sometimes double and even triple teamed. After drafting and trading for key forwards in the off-season, the 20-year-old has been stationed in defence this pre-season and looks right at home. He outplayed Jeremy Cameron in most one-on-one contests on Sunday, with the Giants' star only cashing in from Lions turnovers or once McStay was moved.

Daniel Rich looks back to his best

After missing most of 2014 with a ruptured ACL, and playing his way back to form in 2015, Rich now looks fitter, sharper and ready to return to his best in 2016. While last year he spent most of his time at half-back, the 26-year-old will play a predominantly midfield role this season. In his one hit-out against the Giants, Rich had 28 disposals (16 contested), eight clearances and kicked a supergoal in a stellar performance.

You need some luck with the weather

In three pre-season matches, you'd hope at least one would cough up some good weather to trial everything you've practised in training – but the Lions weren't that lucky. It was hot and windy against the Suns, washed out against the Saints, and wet and humid against the Giants. We still don't really know how the Lions want to play and whether or not they'll be any good at it. I guess we'll find out in round one against the Eagles in Perth. - Michael Whiting

Our #NABChallenge clash with @stkildafc has been cancelled. We'd like to thank the fans who braved the rain to get down and watch us but unfortunately it was out of our control

A video posted by Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) on Mar 5, 2016 at 9:42pm PST

Other things Lions.com.au learned:

New recruits add depth to group

Our recruits have all shown signs of what they can bring to their new side.

Bell and Walker are the two who have played both NAB Challenge games. They have not dominated, but look to have slotted into the team seamlessly. Bell has been used across half forward and in the midfield, his big body adds strength around the contest and he also has the endurance to stay on the ground for longer.

Walker has done exactly what the coaches have asked of him. He creates a contest in the forward line, and if he doesn’t mark it, he brings the ball to the ground for our small forwards.

  Walker Impresses In Forward Line

Bastinac played his first game in the Maroon, Blue and Gold on Sunday. He finished with 22 disposals, and was a handy addition to the Lions midfield. He has proven across the pre-season that he is an elite runner and ball user, and the more he plays, the more you can expect from him.

Jansen played in our first NAB Challenge match against the SUNS.  He was quiet with only the four disposals, but his big body gives him an advantage in tight midfield contests.

Freeman is building

The stat sheets might not reflect it, but young Lions big man Jonathan Freeman looked close to his best in Sunday’s game against the GIANTS. It was a slippery day at Metricon Stadium but, time and time again, Freeman would find space and out-position his opponent – he simply couldn’t finish off his good work by taking the grabs.

The draftees showed what they can do

Ben Keays and Rhys Mathieson both looked at home against the big boys. You’d expect them to play some senior footy in 2016.

Josh Schache and Eric Hipwood showed glimpses of what they can bring to the side, as did Rookie Reuben William who only played the one half in the NAB Challenge opener.

Stef is more than capable

If Sunday’s game showed us anything, it’s that Stefan Martin is more than capable of owning the sole ruck position in 2016. The 29-year-old amassed 24 disposals and 32 hit-outs against Greater Western Sydney’s Shane Mumford in the final NAB Challenge match at Metricon Stadium yesterday.

  Watch: Stefan Martin Post Match

Is there anything we missed?