They joke the current crop isn't as tough but Ash McGrath and Des Headland believe this Brisbane squad can win a premiership.
The retired pair have combined to design the Lions' Indigenous guernsey that will be worn against Gold Coast at the Gabba on Saturday night.
It tells a story of their own journey from Western Australia to Brisbane to play for the AFL club, then to the MCG where the Lions won three-straight flags between 2001-03.
The cupboard's been bare since but the Lions have threatened for the last four seasons.
At 7-2 with a six-game winning streak, they're well poised again, and 2003 premiership half-forward McGrath is impressed.
"They're pretty strong; if you look back at the premiership sides we had a really good spine all the way down the ground and they have Harris (Andrews) at the back with a great midfield and forward line.
"I reckon they can nearly go all the way this year."
And how would they stack up against his old team?
"Footy's changed," he said with a chuckle and a grin.
"We played in an era where you got bashed around bit and Leigh (Matthews) used to flog us on the track.
"It's become a bit of a running game now ... it'd be a draw I reckon."
Headland stepped up with some superb performances in a team of superstars during the Lions' '02 premiership run and said it's similar depth that's helping them this year.
Charlie Cameron was held goalless against Essendon last week but Joe Daniher kicked six goals as they overcame a half-time deficit to win comfortably.
"They're in a really good space," he said.
"A sign of a good team is when others stand up when others are cut down for the day."
McGrath compared Cameron's movement to that of Headland in his prime and said the Lions small forward would be primed for a big night in the one-off guernsey.
"He can take a mark but his ground work and lateral movement (impresses me)," McGrath said.
"I've been speaking to him a bit and he's ready to go. It's always special when the Indigenous boys run out in the jersey and play well."
Nick Holman, Ben Ainsworth and Levi Casboult are key returns for the Suns, although Lachie Weller remains sidelined with Touk Miller.
Former Lion Tom Berry will likely be the Suns' designated substitute, while former Sun Callum Ah Chee is expected to play that role for the Lions.
