The Brisbane Lions might have lost a bit of colour over the off-season following the retirements of Ash McGrath and Brent Moloney – both of whom sported extensive artwork on their arms – but they’ve more than made up for it with the recruitment of Dayne Beams, Allen Christensen, and Mitch Robinson.

Beams, in particular, boasts one of the more impressive ‘sleeve’ tattoos in the AFL – so much so that even Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch saw it worthy of a mention after the Lions landed the former Collingwood premiership player during the Trade Period.

“He’s going to bring experience, he’s a class act and he’s a star midfielder. He’s going to bring a lot of excitement and about another 70% of tattoos to our organisation as well,” Leppitsch said.

Beams’ ink-work, which also includes intricate designs on both legs, is rivalled only at the Lions by his younger brother Claye, who has tattoos covering both arms and has some work on his right calf.

The Club’s other off-season recruits from rival teams, Allen Christensen and Mitch Robinson, also have visible ink – although both have their work contained to their forearms.

There aren’t too many other Lions players who boast tattoos that are noticeable on the football field, save for perhaps Ryan Harwood.

Meanwhile, 2013 draftee Dan McStay might not have any interest in getting ‘inked’, but his father, Trevor, is widely recognised as one of the premier tattoo artists in the world.

“I’ve been in the business for over 30 years and have worked with some of the best tattooists over the world,” Trevor McStay said.

“I don’t think (Dan) should get tattoos because it’s something that he’s never really been interested in.”