It won’t take long for Sam Draper and Oscar Allen to be seen in Brisbane colours, pending no “setbacks”, according to coach Chris Fagan.
The Lions secured the pair as free agents during the off-season that followed a second consecutive premiership.
The reigning premiers bolstered their ruck and forward stocks, which, despite the success, have taken a hit since the retirements of Joe Daniher and Oscar McInerney.
Both Draper and Allen were struck down by serious injuries in 2025, limiting the latter to 12 games, while the former Bomber played five.
But Fagan said the duo could be seen in pre-season clashes, with a focus on unveiling the new recruits very early in the season.
“The expectation is that they’ll be right to play round 1,” Fagan told SEN.
“In fact, they should be right to play at least one practice match, if not two.
“If there’s no setbacks, that’s what will happen.”
Draper and Allen join the group alongside a host of draftees, and will be pivotal to the leadership piece in 2026.
Fagan noted that departures of McInerney, alongside Brandon Starcevich and Callum Ah Chee, opened roles that need filling.