The Cats will travel north to the Gabba for the first time since round 2, 2014 and ironically enough, may encounter an unchanged Brisbane Lions outfit for the first time in nearly as long.

Finally rewarded with the club’s third win of the season in a narrow victory over Carlton, Justin Leppitsch faces fewer headaches at the selection table this week and as a coach well known for going into bat for his players at every opportunity, changes are expected to be few and far between as a result.

There is at least one interesting plotline developing within the AFL’s most northern club, however. Previously thought to be sidelined for the rest of 2016 with a knee injury, midfielder/forward Tom Bell is said to have recovered quicker than expected to land him in the frame for an early return.

Recruited via trade from the Blues at the end of 2015, Bell has been one of the shining lights for Brisbane in his first year at the club and his more seasoned body, not to mention overall experience, would be welcomed back with open arms by the young Lions if he is indeed deemed fit.

If Bell gets across the line, one player will be incredibly unlucky to make way. Assuming that omission is to be a midfielder, the two most likely would be Ben Keays or former Cat Jarrad Jansen.

Against Carlton, Keays was quiet with just the eight disposals and might be granted a rest as a young player whilst Jansen is yet to completely cement his spot in the Brisbane best 22, as demonstrated by his 12 disposal display in their most recent victory.

With one potential change, here is how the Lions are expected to line up against the Cats in round 22:

IN: T.Bell
OUT: J.Jansen