The Lions were hit hard after the departure of Mitch Clark to Melbourne and a season-ending knee injury to Brent Staker.
Now Ryan Lester, Jordan Lisle, Aaron Cornelius, Bryce Retzlaff and Patrick Karnezis are among those hoping to replace the experienced pair.
All are 191cm-plus, 21 or younger, but have a combined total of just 44 games.
"There's five of us young big fellas down there and I think we're all working together," Lester said.
"We've got similar strengths and weaknesses so we're trying to help each other to get the best out of each other.
"It looks like I'll play up forward a bit this year so hopefully I can work with 'Patty' and Bryce and 'Browny' and get the best out of myself."
Lester, a former Oakleigh Charger, had a horror first season in 2011, landing awkwardly against Melbourne in round three and tearing ligaments in his foot.
The resulting surgery cost him the season.
After a limited load to start his pre-season, he is now in full training and almost back at peak fitness.
"The first couple of months of rehab I still managed to stay pretty upbeat," Lester said of last year.
"I was 82kg and needed to put on four or five kgs so there was positives but as the season wore on I saw Patty Karnezis play well and Bryce Retzlaff … you get a bit jealous and want to get out there, but I guess that's part of football.
"During rehab one of the motivating factors is to get on the park and have a kick. I'm definitely very excited about getting back out there again."
The Lions' NAB Cup campaign will start against Melbourne and Gold Coast on February 25.
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting
