PEARCE HANLEY
A brilliant finish to 2014 showcased the Irishman's value to the Lions. He averaged 30 disposals over the final nine games, almost single-handedly winning matches against North Melbourne and Gold Coast, and it was no surprise that when he fired, so did the Lions. With his great acceleration and evasion, Hanley is knocking on the door of All Australian selection, while his willingness to take the game on gives the Lions midfield a dimension it otherwise lacks. The addition of Dayne Beams and return of Daniel Rich from injury could help free the 26-year-old from opposition taggers.
KEY 2014 STATS: Games 20. The only player to gain 1000m in a game in 2014 (round 18 v Gold Coast). Finished with four of the top 20 games for metres gained, and ranks seventh for metres gained per game in competition since 2011. 

DAYNE BEAMS
The biggest name to switch clubs in the off-season, Beams brings a wealth of talent and experience – and great expectation – to the Lions. The Collingwood premiership player and Copeland Trophy winner provides his new club with the goalkicking midfielder they crave. Beams is a prolific ball-winner (29 disposals a game over the past three years), a penetrating kick, and can find the goals when he's within range, kicking 118 in his 110 games. He'll likely be sat on by opposition teams, but Beams is good enough to overcome that and retain his spot as one of the competition's elite.
KEY 2014 STATS: Games 19. In 2014, he was one of only two midfielders in the AFL, alongside Gary Ablett, to rank elite in contested possessions, metres gained and goals a game.