FOR THE first time during an expansion phase, Brisbane has remained largely protected, losing just two players to a new club. Still a young side, albeit very experienced, the Lions have the talent to press for another premiership in season seven.

B: K.Hillier  B.Koenen
HB: P.Monahan  S.Campbell  N.Grider
C: O.O'Dwyer  C.Svarc  S.Conway
HF: G.Bodey  D.Davidson  C.Hodder
F: T.Smith  J.Wardlaw
Foll: T.Hickie  E.Bates  A.Anderson
I/C: Z.Farquharson  L.Pullar  I.Dawes  J.Ellenger  L.Postlethwaite

Emerg: R.Svarc  D.Heslop

After an action-packed trade and draft period, and ahead of AFLW season seven, womens.afl reporters Gemma Bastiani and Sarah Black have taken on the task of putting together each club's best 21 on paper. This isn't each side's likely R1 side, but rather a look at what each team's ideal line-up could be.

Brisbane players celebrate their win over Collingwood in the Qualifying Final at The Gabba on March 27, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Changes from last season

Craig Starcevich's go-to side this season won't be overly different to what we saw regularly earlier in the year. The most apparent change being Kate Lutkins' availability, which may just open the door for draftee Kiara Hillier in defence, especially with Indy Tahau now at Port Adelaide.

The other tough change will be to make way for returning midfielder Lily Postlethwaite who has been coming back from an ACL injury which saw her miss all of season six. Postlethwaite's strength at the contest, work rate and ability to support in defence will be hard to pass up as an addition to the team this season.

Brisbane's Lily Postlethwaite during a training session on October 23, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

In the mix

Ruby Svarc looks like she will be the one to make way for Postlethwaite's return, but if the Lions want to inject more dash, she will be the first player added back into the team.

Starcevich has been reluctant to debut young players early in the season in the past, so should that be the case again this year former Sun Dee Heslop might take Hillier's place down back, although they would be giving up some height in doing so. The experienced Sharni Webb is also a taller option who could take that place.

Luka Yoshida-Martin and Mikayla Pauga add some ground-level depth in the forward line but will find it hard to break past the combination of Greta Bodey and Courtney Hodder.

Draftees Charlotte Mullins and Ella Smith will be working hard to crack the Lions' star-studded midfield as well, but like the forward line, they will likely only earn a debut if one of their experienced mids becomes unavailable.

Sharni Webb of the Lions is tackled by Cheyenne Hammond of the Suns during round three, 2020. Picture: AFL Photos