Former Lions star Jason Akermanis isn’t fussed by Brisbane’s outs this week, backing in a young star to get the job done against the Western Bulldogs.
Daniel Rich is out with a quad issue, while Deven Robertson was last week’s medical substitute.
But in better news for the Lions, Keidean Coleman returns after missing Brisbane’s Round 2 win over Melbourne.
It’s this inclusion that has Akermanis buoyed, describing the 22-year-old as a better player than Rich - an All-Australian in 2021 - on current form.
“Nah, they actually gain a bit,” Akermanis told SENQ Breakfast of Rich being replaced by Coleman.
“I love Dan Rich, but he’s older than the dead sea…
“Danny Rich is a very smart player and a good ball user... but Kiddy Coleman is actually I think a better kick in the field of play, and Rich is a freak.
“Kiddy is much quicker than you think, he’s much younger... I reckon he is the key.
“The short answer is you’re probably replacing (Rich with) your younger version and just a little bit better, believe it or not.
“Kiddy is the best replacement.”
Coleman enjoyed a career-best season in 2022, averaging 18 disposals, six marks, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s a game as a running half back.
He returns to the senior side with Brisbane looking to win two on the trot, and simultaneously keep the Bulldogs winless.
With a swathe of new recruits, Brisbane enters hot favourites and Akermanis is backing them to live up to that tag.
“They’re a good team already, their defence has always been the issue, but their forward line has always been the best in the competition and now their midfield is probably and arguably the best in the comp,” he added.
“Yeah, you saw the lights go out (last week), but I think they put the cue in the rack (and allowed Melbourne to come back).
“The Lions will be ready for it, they’re a better team than the Bulldogs.
“But playing them down there isn’t always the easiest thing to do.”
Thursday night's game gets underway at 7:20pm AEDT.