Only days out from the round 1 clash against St Kilda at Etihad, AFL Media breakdown our backline player by player.

Harris Andrews

Took a big step forward in 2017 when manning the opposition's best forward every week. Ideally would be used as a second key defender to allow him more chances to intercept mark, but until Jack Payne develops, is best served at fullback. At just 21, Andrews has been elevated to the deputy vice-captain role.

Claye Beams

Career looked all-but over at the end of last season, but the club threw him a lifeline with a rookie spot. Beams has played 54 games in seven seasons and at his best is a penetrating rebound defender. Needs continuity to push for senior selection.

Liam Dawson

The versatile 22-year-old is desperate for a big year to keep his career progressing. Dawson has been given few chances – just 18 games in three seasons – but has struggled to grasp them with his inconsistent form. Has played his best as a tall half-back.

Matt Eagles

One of the feel-good stories of last season, Eagles came from 'The Recruit' television program and earned himself a new contract with a brilliant second half of the season. Loves to intercept mark and was a big influence in the Lions' winning the NEAFL premiership over Sydney.

Jack Frost

Had a horror first season after heading north from Collingwood. Was dropped early in the year and suffered repeat concussions in the NEAFL, cutting his campaign short. Is right to play now but has a lot of work to do to win senior selection.

Darcy Gardiner

Has a well-earned reputation as the club's most rugged, and versatile, defender. Gardiner played 19 games last year and split his time between marking the opposition's third tall and sometimes even smaller players. Dislocated his elbow in round 15 against Essendon but was back just three weeks later.

Darcy Gardiner gets a pass away during the JLT 2 match v Suns.

Mitch Hinge

A polished left-foot half-back who developed nicely in the reserves. Hinge played almost the entire NEAFL season to earn himself another rookie deal.

Luke Hodge

A huge coup for the Lions luring the four-time premiership Hawk out of retirement. Hodge will not only add a cool head in the defensive 50, but more importantly, plenty of guidance for a young backline that has very few players over the age of 23.

Sam Mayes

Fresh off a fifth-place finish in the club's best and fairest, Mayes has found a home at half-back. Improved his one-on-one defence and gained more confidence as the season wore on with the ball. Now 23 and with 95 games to his name, should be entering his best year.

Sam Mayes (L) and Nick Robertson (R) in action during INC Pre-season camp in TAS.

Dan McStay

A player that has been swung between key forward and key back, McStay has played his best footy alongside Harris Andrews in defence. He's strong, quick off the mark and always improving.

Marco Paparone

Hamstring tendonitis has cruelled his past couple of years and again the versatile Paparone has been struck down this pre-season. Had surgery on his back to relieve the hamstring issues and will be ready to go early in the NEAFL season.

Jack Payne

A Lions Academy product that is physically mature beyond his 18 years, Payne has made big strides in his first pre-season. Standing 197cm and weighing 95kg, he played both pre-season matches and didn't look totally lost against Lance Franklin. Club sees him as a long-term fullback option.

Daniel Rich

One of the biggest wins for coach Chris Fagan was unlocking the best season of Rich's career. Stationed at half-back, the booming left-footer played all 22 games, averaged 21 disposals and was consistently one of the Lions' best players.

Nick Robertson

Tough and uncompromising, Robertson flourished as a small defender last season. Needs to continue working on disposal and decision-making, but he's disciplined and reliable and will play plenty of matches again.

Alex Witherden

Once getting his chance in the senior team, Witherden was brilliant. Played nine of the final 10 games and used his lethal right boot to springboard many attacking forays. Witherden recently extended his playing contract with the Club until the end of 2020.