They may be two of the AFL's biggest names but Jonathan Brown and Brendan Fevola have also quickly become two of the closest teammates judging by their rapport at Brisbane Lions training.

They have hit it off so well that coach Michael Voss admits he has been "pleasantly surprised" by the instant chemistry they have struck during the pre-season.

A big talking point after disgraced Carlton goal machine Fevola's trade last season was just how well the stars would align in the same forward line.

But the smile on Voss' face as he watched his match-winners gleefully take each other on at training on Wednesday said it all.

"It's good to be able to see both of them being able to compete against one another," Voss said.

"I think they gee each other up a fair bit - they've got a good relationship.

"On the field they've got a great understanding - I've been pleasantly surprised.

"As you'd expect from a very good forward in Fev...he's very clever about the way he plays his role.

"So I know that he'll tie in well with Browny, because obviously he's very elite at his position too."

Asked if he had any concerns about two dominant forwards working together in a match situation, Voss smiled: "I will have no problem whatsoever if they kick 170 goals between them (for the season) - trust me."

"(But) the big challenge for us is not necessarily whether they can kick the goals, but whether we give them the opportunities."

Lions fans will have to wait a little longer to see for themselves if Brown and Fevola click on-field.

Fevola is a "strong chance" for the Lions' NAB Cup opener against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra on February 14.

But Brown is "no chance" as he eases his way back after off-season hip surgery.

A constructive pre-season camp may be another reason behind the obvious spring in Fevola's step.

Much has been made of former AFL bad boy Fevola's past - but Voss said the camp laid it to rest.

"You've got to work on relationships, how do we gel as a group, (and) a camp helped us," he said.

"We got to talk to each other and get to know each other.

"I think it also put to bed where they were all from - (and) they came back as the Brisbane Lions.

"It didn't matter where they were from, what they contribute to our club is now the most important thing."

Voss said Brown, former Brownlow Medalist Simon Black and ex-Richmond Tiger Andrew Raines (knee) were among "eight or nine" not considered for the NAB Cup opener.

Of the other recruits, former Saint Xavier Clarke (knee) is not expected to be available until six weeks into the season proper.

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