Geelong coach Chris Scott says he will remain patient with selecting a pair of young guns, with midfielder George Stevens forgin his case for selection while ruck Mitch Edwards is required to demonstrate a body of work at state level despite Geelong's desire for a backup ruck option.
Edwards will make his return to the VFL side after missing the start to the year with injury setbacks and an extensive conditioning block.
With Sam De Koning out with an AC joint concern, Geelong could look to bring in another tall straight away, but coach Chris Scott said Edwards will have to prove himself across a solid stint in the VFL.
Stevens, on the other hand, has put together a strong record of form at state level across the past five games for Geelong's reserves, recording 25-plus disposals in four of those matches, including a 32-disposal effort against Gold Coast with a goal to boot.
However, Geelong's current talent in the midfield, as well as their flawless form this season, will leave Stevens out on the fringe for another week.
"I think he's playing his part, but in a lot of these cases, who are you going to replace? Our midfield's going pretty well, and George is a genuine midfielder for us," Scott said.
"George is playing well enough to be in the team, there's just some midfielders in front of him is the short answer.
"(Edwards) is well on track. So those guys (Edwards and Stevens) we haven't got a ceiling on them, but we're not going to rush them into the AFL team. They're aware of that.
"They need a really good body of quality VFL football before we start thinking about them. It's going to get tempting because I suspect they'll both play really well, but we think it's only fair on them with the preparation they've had that they get their bodies right, feel comfortable playing at the level and then play good high-quality VFL football for a decent period of time.
"But we are only halfway through the year so there's plenty of time."
As for who will come into the side, Scott admitted four names are a chance of replacing the injured De Koning.
Jack Bowes hasn't shuffled his way into the starting 22 since Round 10, Jed Bews since Round 11, and Oliver Henry since Round 12, but all three are a chance to be selected for Friday night's clash.
Additionally, Ted Clohesy, who was a late replacement for Bailey Smith against Gold Coast in Round 13, could also forge his way into the side.
"They're probably the main ones (Bowes, Bews, and Henry), and we're sort of thinking a little bit about the type, a little bit around who's most ready to play," Scott said on selection status.
"Those guys are all very much in the mix but we haven't completely decided on that. Teams don't go out until tonight. Ted Clohesy would be in that mix as well, so those four or five that you've mentioned are the right ones."
The Cats take on the Lions at GMHBA Stadium, who haven't won at the Kardinia fortress in 22 years, but Scott said his side won't underestimate Brisbane, who have beaten Geelong in their last two encounters.
"I continually give the same boring answers on these themes, last time we played them doesn't feel that relevant which was Round 3.
"They beat us in a prelim final, they have been a very good team for the last four or five years, they're a premiership team. I think that is a lot more relevant than their record down here, when none of their players were in that team," Scott said.
"We are completely respectful of the quality of the opposition, they have beaten us the last couple of times we have played.
"I wouldn't promote the fact that anyone would think about their last couple of weeks and think that they are going to be less than the premiership team they are."
