Brendan Fevola is convinced Brisbane are a genuine top-four side after reliving his worst football moment of 2009 - Carlton's nightmare finals loss to the Lions.

Fevola forced himself to watch a replay of the thrilling AFL elimination final at the Gabba, his last match in Carlton colours, on Wednesday night and was struck by Brisbane's under-rated midfield.

The Lions came from five goals down in the final quarter to beat the Blues 16.15 (111) to 15.14 (104) and end their season - two weeks before Fevola's alcohol-fuelled Brownlow Medal antics.

Fevola, to join Jonathan Brown in a lethal forward line, rated the Chris Judd-led Blues midfield as among the best in the league last year.

But the Lions' prize recruit felt the Gabba final showed Brisbane's on-ball brigade, with Simon Black and Luke Power in charge, measured up favourably.

"I was watching a game on TV last night, which was the final the Blues lost against us, that sounds a bit weird doesn't it?" said Fevola, who will make his debut against the Western Bulldogs in their February 14 NAB Cup opener in Canberra.

"Some of the foot skills the boys have got at Brisbane are really good and they do hit the inside 50s a lot.

"I think they were in the top three marks inside 50. I'm a lead-in player so the Powers, (Daniel) Rich, Black are great midfielders."

The Lions finished sixth in 2009 after being outclassed by the Bulldogs, who narrowly lost to premiers Geelong in the preliminary final, but Fevola's signing has coaching guru Kevin Sheedy talking them up as true premiership contenders.

The full-forward admitted the Lions had a "great opportunity" to win their first flag since 2003 in the next two seasons with Matt Maguire, Brent Staker, Amon Buchanan, Xavier Clarke and Andrew Raines also lured north by Michael Voss.

"Before I came to Brisbane, they were a pretty good team," he said.

"Hopefully I can add a bit of a different mix down there with Brownie and hopefully kick a few goals.

"Hopefully we'll finish top four. That's our expectation and if you finish top four, you've got every chance to win a premiership.

"I think Vossy was playing Supercoach in the pre-season - I don't think he's got any trades left. He's traded really well."

Fevola's early influence and enthusiasm at Brisbane has been praised by his coaches and teammates, with rebounding defender Josh Drummond on Thursday rating him a club leader already after three months of pre-season training.

The Lions originally faced a backlash from members when Gabba favourite Daniel Bradshaw was put up for trade bait but Fevola has been assured his signing has boosted numbers.

"I checked with the membership department and I think they sold more memberships before Christmas than they did the previous year."

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