Former AFL Coach and player Terry Wallace believes that things are looking to have stabilized at the Brisbane Lions after a strong trade and draft period and a series of important re-signings.

Wallace, a host of SportsDay Radio, yesterday gave his season preview for the Lions heading into Season 2016 and; after a solid pre-season, has signaled that the list is looking much better than it has in previous years.

“The list is in a lot better shape,” said Wallace.

“The Lions have changed their list dramatically in the last few years with some exciting young talent.

“What they’ve done is they’ve added some senior bodies to support the youth that they’ve brought in.”

But a question that still remains is how the matured players will come together with the talented youth.

"You’ve got an older group of players, but then you’ve got some really young chicks in this line up for the Lions so it’s just a matter of whether they can marry up together.

Since Leppitsch was first appointed to the senior coaching role in 2013, the Lions have made 34 changes to the playing list and Leppitsch has since said that 95% of these changes have been planned. In the last two pre-seasons the Lions have bought in ready-made AFL players; Dayne Beams, Allen Christensen, Mitch Robinson, Ryan Bastinac, Tom Bell and Josh Walker.

But despite the influx of talent, Wallace believes there are still question marks over the key position players.

In defence, Wallace believes Merrett is the key.

"Merrett is the senior core player of the group, then it’s a bit of guess work after that.

"There are plenty of options, they’ve bought in a heap of young, good key position players, but how quickly they can come to being really quality players (is the question).

"I really like Harris Andrews and Daniel McStay, and I’m hoping McStay gets settled down back along with Andrews. I think that those guys can hold up and be real good players for them for many years to come.

"I think Andrews and McStay are the most ready, out of the young players, but I think Merrett just holds the thing together.”

In recent years, Merrett has at times floated forward, but with the addition of Josh Walker to the Lions forward line, Wallace thinks that Merrett will be able to solidify his position as the key in defence.

"I think Walker coming in, holds Merrett back.”

Another question that Wallace asked was of the Brisbane Lions key forwards. Walker is the new big man and Wallace wonders whether he could play a vital key forward role for us in 2016.

"I think he can be a good player Walker, I think he was a good pick up.

"We’re waiting to see if he can play that role.

"Then you’ve got Freeman, Close, Schache – they’re all still young and inexperienced – some genuine talent there, but young and inexperienced.

Wallace believes that a true asset the Club has is its midfield, fronted by big man Stefan Martin and supported by a deep list of experienced midfielders.

"The Club has an excellent ruck in Stefan Martin, and I think that he’s really the one.

"They’ve got a really strong running brigade in Rockliff, Hanley and Beams, who are all really excellent top line players.

"Then you’ve got Zorko, Christensen and Taylor who really add a little bit to it as well.

"They really are starting to bat deeper now.”

Wallace also signalled the importance of two particular Lions; Daniel Rich and Sam Mayes.

"Both are high end draft picks who ooze class and potential.

"I’d love to see Rich gain a more settled role in the side.

"Mayes to me also needs to settle down.

"I could see those two bloke playing across half back, giving them real solidarity."

Things might be looking up, in terms of talent and culture, but one difficulty for our boys in 2016 will be the tough draw.

"I think that that start (of the draw) is going to make it an extremely tough year ahead.

"I’m looking at about 4-6 victories," Wallace Said.