NOT all of us were that "bullish" about the Brisbane Lions' prospects this season. As good a job as Leigh Matthews had done of rebuilding the premiership machine of the early part of this decade, there still appeared to be a fair gap not only between the Lions' best and worst, but the influence exerted on the team by the elders and those more recently introduced to the mix.

It's clearly time for a rethink now. Yesterday's 46-point walloping of St Kilda didn't only put Brisbane a game clear in the top eight. It offered a compelling example of how increasingly well-balanced the Lions are looking.

There's a gun midfield, old hands Simon Black and Luke Power leading the way, the recruitment of Travis Johnstone having raised the class quota further, and more stars like Jed Adcock and Justin Sherman emerging.

There's a forward set-up as potent-looking as any in the competition right at the moment. Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw shared 12 goals yesterday.

As twin forward towers, they're every bit as imposing as Hawthorn pair "Buddy" Franklin and Jarryd Roughead and, with experience on their side, perhaps a little more dependable, too. They also have more support at their feet these days, courtesy of exciting crumbers like Rhan Hooper and Anthony Corrie.

But it's the Lions' alleged achilles heel, pre-season — their back line — which is providing perhaps the greatest eyebrow-raiser.

On paper, names like Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull, Joel MacDonald, Jason Roe and Josh Drummond didn't inspire a heap of faith. The reality is proving anything but, a nice blend of defensive steel and, with Drummond's superb kicking skills, and Jarred Brennan's "x-factor", more than enough dash and creativity.

The Lions' last liners were terrific again yesterday. St Kilda's eight-goal last term, with the result well and truly decided, only Band-aided the fact the Saints had managed just six in three previous quarters. Backing a forward line that scores heavily, it's giving Brisbane a real finals look.

Now a game clear in eight, there are three games out of four to be played at the always intimidating Gabba over the next month. In two, against Fremantle and Adelaide, the Lions will start favourite. The Western Bulldogs at the MCG and the Kangaroos at home this Saturday night are more problematic.

But not assignments over which Matthews' men will be fearful. They might not have been pre-season fancies for the eight, but they're there now on their merits. Which might also be said of the ladder position of St Kilda. The Saints are testimony enough that pre-season theories and mid-season reality are two different concepts indeed.