Brisbane will be forced into at least two changes for Friday's blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs, with Noah Answerth (Achilles) and Zac Bailey (suspension) unavailable.
Answerth has been ruled out for the remainder of the year after rupturing his Achilles, joining fellow defender Jack Payne on the sidelines.
"He's a really important player for us," Lions coach Chris Fagan said.
"We're so disappointed he got injured; he was playing a great game, too.
"There the things in footy. One minute you're running around playing a great game, the next minute, you've snapped your Achilles and you're out for nine months. Harsh reality of footy.
"We've been pretty good here at other people stepping up, and taking his place, and that's what we're looking for this year. A door closes for Noah, but a door opens for somebody else."
Bailey's one-match suspension upheld at the Tribunal on Tuesday also opens the door for more change, despite Fagan believing the sanction was a "little bit harsh".
"There's a number of players who have been playing good football in the reserves," Fagan added.
"Luke Beecken, Bruce Reville, Sam Marshall have all been in good form. We've got a number of players who can fulfil that role on the wing.
Utility Jaspa Fletcher is poised to station himself in the backline more so due to Answerth's absence, which opens a vacancy on the wing, while Shadeau Brain has come into consideration to fill the defensive void.
The 2024 premiership coach did rule out the returns of injury-prone duo Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee, saying "they haven't done enough".
"Tommy missed a few weeks with concussion, and Keidean just played managed minutes in the twos.
"So, they might be in line next week or the week after, not this week."
Fagan outlined what boxes Coleman needs to tick off before a senior recall, noting that his imminent inclusion will be a "bonus" to the reigning premiers.
"Good form, and to be able to play four quarters of footy," Fagan added.
"That's what you've got to be ready for when you come into the AFL, especially at this time of year. It might be a bonus, when he does come back in, he'll be fresh."
Fagan also confirmed that Harris Andrews will resume his battle with Bulldogs unicorn Sam Darcy.
The pair shared the honours in the Gather Round clash earlier in the year as influential figures in the contest, where the Lions turned a 39-point deficit early in the third term into a victory.
