The Brisbane Lions have been without representation in the AFL All-Australian team in each of the past four seasons.

Jonathan Brown – who was named in both the 2007 and 2009 All-Australian sides – is the only Lions player to have earned a place in the official ‘Team of the Year’ since 2004.

In fact, Brown’s mid-year retirement means that the Lions are the only side in the AFL competition to have NO All-Australians active on their current list.

Captain Jed Adcock came close in 2007, when he named in the All-Australian preliminary 40-man squad, but he ultimately missed out on selection in the final team.

But surely that’s all about to change, with a couple of legitimate contenders among Brisbane’s ranks this season.

With the preliminary All-Australian squad set to be announced in a couple of weeks, afl.com.au’s Michael Whiting took a look at who might be the most likely candidates from the Lions in 2014.

Pearce Hanley
He started slowly, but the Irishman has backed up a brilliant 2013 with a storming back half of the season. Averaging 25 touches – most of the highest quality - Hanley has his fingerprints all over most Lions victories.

Tom Rockliff
After finishing fifth in last year's Brownlow, the prolific midfielder has taken his game to another level. His numbers say it all – second in disposals (32), first in tackles (nine) and sixth in contested possessions. Is now having more influence in game.

While you would expect that both Rockliff and Hanley must be in line for maiden All-Australian appearances (particularly after being surprisingly overlooked last year), don’t be surprised to see a couple of other names feature in the squad.

Despite missing the first half of the season, Stefan Martin has been the form ruckman of the competition since Round 12 and could come under some consideration.  

Had Martin played the opening half of the season in the same form as his past 11 games, he would almost be a lock. However, his absence will likely count against him when it comes to comparing him to the likes of Sam Jacobs (Adelaide), Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle), and Matthew Lobbe (Port Adelaide).

Dayne Zorko is another who has posted career-best numbers in 2014, and wouldn’t look out of place in the AFL’s ‘Team of the Year’.

The AFL All-Australian preliminary squad will be announced on Tuesday 2 September, with the final team to be revealed on Tuesday 16 September.