Fox Footy have reported that versatile big man Eric Hipwood will take time to develop an AFL ready body, but through his time in the Lions academy he’s already proven the ability to match it with men at NEAFL level.

Strong-bodied midfield duo Rhys Mathieson and Ben Keays will be eager to have an immediate impact in the senior team.

They will face stiff competition for a Round 1 berth with the arrival of Ryan Bastinac, Tom Bell to complement stars Dayne Beams, Tom Rockliff and Pearce Hanley.

Which of the Brisbane draftees will be in Justin Leppitsch’s Round 1 team?

Fox Footy have previewed our team’s best 22 players.

As always, there will be some contentious decisions — and some unlucky omissions.

Note: These line ups don’t take into account current injuries or suspensions.

Locks

Tom Rockliff, Pearce Hanley, Dayne Beams, Stefan Martin, Daniel Rich, Mitch Robinson, Lewis Taylor, Allen Christensen, Dayne Zorko, Daniel Merrett

The Bubble

Harris Andrews

Following 19 senior games in his debut season, the key defender appears ready to take on even more responsibility in 2016. Andrews is highly athletic for his 200cm frame and won a Rising Star nomination in Round 18 last year. He is exactly the type of defender the Lions can rebuild around.

Rising Star

Rhys Mathieson

The midfielder was widely considered the biggest bargain of the national draft at pick No. 39. His ability to win the contested ball, coupled with an excellent workrate, makes him an attractive prospect for Brisbane fans. Mathieson could easily slot in early in the year and make an immediate impact.

It's a big year for...

Sam Mayes

The No. 8 draft pick from 2013 didn’t quite recapture the consistency that saw him finish 10th in each of his first two years on Brisbane’s list this year. He’s undoubtedly gifted and versatile, but in 2016 Mayes needs to lock down a position, with half-back probably the best fit. He was dropped to the NEAFL last year and needs to take the next step in his development. South Australian clubs will be circling.

Brisbane's Best 22

B: Marco Paparone, Daniel Merrett, Justin Clarke

HB: Tom Cutler, Harris Andrews, Pearce Hanley

C: Ryan Bastinac, Daniel Rich, Sam Mayes

HF: Dayne Zorko, Josh Walker, Mitch Robinson

F: Allen Christensen, Joshua Schache, Lewis Taylor

FOLL: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Dayne Beams

I/C: Tom Bell, Josh Green, Daniel McStay, Michael Close

EMERG: Rhys Mathieson, Rohan Bewick, Jarrad Jansen

OTHERS — Jono Freeman, Eric Hipwood, Ben Keays, Josh Clayton, Liam Dawson, Ryan Lester, Ryan Harwood, Jaden McGrath, Josh McGuinness, Nick Robertson, Sam Skinner, Josh Watts, Trent West

ROOKIES — Hugh Beasley, Billy Evans, Matthew Hammelmann, Jackson Paine, Cian Hanley, Archie Smith, Reuben William

Compare this to Michael Whiting's best 22