A renewed professionalism has underpinned Keidean Coleman's long road back, with the silky-skilled defender determined to reclaim his place in a Brisbane Lions team chasing history in 2026.

The proud Dalabon and Jawoyn man was one of the shining lights for the Lions during the 2023 finals series, capping it off with a standout Grand Final performance that saw him finish runner-up in the Norm Smith Medal in his team's narrow loss to Collingwood.

But since that afternoon, Coleman's career has been halted by a frustrating run of injuries.

He ruptured his ACL in the Opening Round of 2024, and then managed just one game in 2025 as persistent knee and quad issues delayed his return.

In cruel timing, the injuries meant Coleman watched from the sidelines as Brisbane surged to back-to-back premierships - and now, with the Lions hunting a three-peat, the smooth-moving defender is determined to reclaim his spot.

Lions coach Chris Fagan believes the 2026 pre-season has revealed a different Coleman, one who has learned exactly what AFL-standard preparation demands.

"He is in the best shape I've ever seen him in," Fagan told AFL.com.au.

"He's given himself the best chance physically to not only come back, but improve on what he was doing before he got injured, which was some pretty good stuff.

"I think he knew last year that he was probably out of the game longer than he should have been because he didn't do his rehab as well as he could have.

"He's learned that lesson and really applied himself over the past 12 months to be the athlete he is now.

"He clearly looks fitter, stronger, leaner, all of those things - good on him - it's exciting what he might be able to do."

Those around the club are echoing the same message.

Brisbane football manager Danny Daly told SEN Radio earlier in the pre-season that Coleman's work over summer has been impossible to miss.

"Kiddy has obviously missed a lot of football over the last couple of years," Daly said.

"He's done a hell of a lot of work over the pre-season, and he has come back in magnificent shape - he'll be right to go for Round 1.

In Brisbane's match simulation against Carlton last week, Coleman was used higher up the ground, coming off the wing and spending time in the front half, where he kicked a goal and set up another in the opening term.

"His ability to hit those kicks through the corridor in a little bit of match sim type practice was unbelievable - you forget what type of footballer he is," Daly added.

"We're looking forward to having a fit Kiddy Coleman back, which will be great for us."