With the 2017 Draft done and dusted, Club lists have been finalised for next season.
AFL Media has come up with their best 22s for the Lions in 2018, choosing on the basis of every player on the list being fit and well.
It's the best first-choice side that AFL Media think our team can muster.
B: Darcy Gardiner, Harris Andrews, Alex Witherden
HB: Daniel Rich, Dan McStay, Luke Hodge
C: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Sam Mayes
HF: Charlie Cameron, Josh Walker, Lewy Taylor
F: Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood, Mitch Robinson
Foll: Stefan Martin, Dayne Beams, Jarrod Berry
I/C: Ryan Lester, Nick Robertson, Allen Christensen, Ryan Bastinac
DEPTH
General defenders: Claye Beams, Tom Cutler, Liam Dawson, Cian Hanley, Mitch Hinge, Marco Paparone
Key defenders: Matt Eagles, Jack Frost, Jack Payne, Sam Skinner
Midfielders: Jacob Allison, Tom Bell, Rohan Bewick, Cedric Cox, Ben Keays, Corey Lyons, Rhys Mathieson, Brandon Starcevich
General forwards: Zac Bailey, Jake Barrett, Toby Wooller
Key forwards: Connor Ballenden
Ruckmen: Oscar McInerney, Archie Smith
NOTES: Despite his team finishing last in 2017, coach Chris Fagan has 30-plus players vying for his best team. New additions Luke Hodge and Charlie Cameron go straight in, as does No.1 draftee Cam Rayner – although it wouldn't totally surprise if Fagan made him wait for a few rounds. The backline looks particularly congested, and with Hodge's arrival, will likely force Sam Mayes or Daniel Rich to a wing. Josh Schache's departure means Josh Walker should be Eric Hipwood's sidekick to start, while Tom Rockliff leaving opens the door for Jarrod Berry to nail down the inside midfielder's spot. Mitch Robinson and Allen Christensen slot back in after long injuries also.
