LUKE Hodge will not be part of the Brisbane Lions' leadership group, and will instead act as a mentor.

After switching from Hawthorn in the off-season, Hodge comes to the Lions as their most experienced player, having played 305 games, including four premierships, and captaining for six seasons.

But he will take a back seat from formal leadership.

"He'll be part of the group, but just in a mentoring role," coach Chris Fagan told AFL.com.au.

The Lions will do their player vote in January and after a brilliant first season in charge, Dayne Beams would be a short-priced favourite to retain his role as captain.

Tom Rockliff was the vice-captain but left for Port Adelaide via free agency, while Dayne Zorko, Allen Christensen, Stefan Martin, Ryan Lester and Harris Andrews were all 2017 leaders.

Fagan said there would be no limit on how many could be in the group.

"It all depends where the votes fall," he said. 

"There always seems to be a natural gap.

"If there's 10 this year, there's 10. In some ways, I hope there is 10 locked close together." 

Hodge has already made a big impact with his new teammates. He is one of the most vocal players at training and often leads team talk in huddles between drills.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Fagan said Hodge's on-field directing would be invaluable.

"I always felt during the year we needed a player on field that could help organise on the ground, help coach on the ground, because we were so young.

"The coaching he can do on the field and the guidance he can give off-field is outstanding. 

"There's no better role model in the game than Hodgey."