THE BRISBANE Lions' young midfielders are set to benefit from the presence of recruit Brent Moloney as the group sets out to challenge the AFL's best in 2013.
Co-captain Jed Adcock said Moloney, who joined the Lions as a restricted free agent at the end of last season, could be the final piece in what would be a "formidable" midfield.
The former Melbourne on-baller has enjoyed a strong pre-season, which finished with 23 possessions and 11 clearances in the NAB Cup Grand Final.
Adcock said emerging midfielders Daniel Rich, Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff, as well as veteran Simon Black, would benefit from Moloney's strength and experience around stoppages.
"He's been a really important pick-up for us so far," Adcock told AFL.com.au on Tuesday.
"It's a really young midfield, so he gives us that experience and a good-sized body.
"He's had a really good pre-season and he's really fit, so if Black and Moloney can both be back in there, hopefully it's going to be a formidable midfield."
Rich and Redden both finished top four in the Lions' best and fairest last season, while Rockliff won the Merrett-Murray Medal in 2011.
The talented trio is crucial to the Lions future, but Adcock said the team would also be relying on its midfield depth to take the next step and start challenging the best teams.
"Good midfields have eight or nine blokes that go through the midfield, so you still need that balance," he said.
"Hopefully (Dayne) Zorko can step up again, (Patrick) Karnezis had a really good NAB Cup campaign, (Claye) Beams as well.
"Those guys you need to continue to step up and give the other guys a break."
Adcock said the Lions' depth had been on display throughout the pre-season with Black and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger sidelined as the team went undefeated to win the NAB Cup.
The half-back said the Lions took confidence out of the pre-season, but that would mean nothing if they didn't win their season opener against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on March 30.
"I think it's significant for the younger guys who can now see there's a bit of depth in the group," he said.
"It gives the whole team more confidence within each other and the trust within each other that we can perform."
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
