Despite sitting 16^th on the ladder at 0-2, the Brisbane Lions have already demonstrated they are a much-improved side in 2016, and one the Cats will need to put away early should Geelong hope to claim the four points.

On the surface, a 64-point loss to West Coast in round two could easily be considered the worst way to start the new season – however Brisbane were able to hit the scoreboard with ease and score 15 goals in a performance that showed the potency of their forward group.

The Lions returned to the Gabba for round two in a plucky showing against North Melbourne where they ultimately kicked themselves out of the match before succumbing to last year’s preliminary finalists by 34 points.

Nonetheless, the style of football and overall ball movement of the Lions would have senior coach Justin Leppistch looking at the positives in this early stage of their development.

As for the side he will send south, captain Tom Rockliff has already been confirmed to miss with a calf injury, whilst both Daniel Rich and Mitch Robinson are also under injury clouds and said to be rated as 50-50 propositions at best.

Vice-captain Rich is dealing with a hamstring complaint and 2015 best and fairest winner Robinson is battling a calf injury, joining star midfielder Dayne Beams who himself is yet to play this season due to knee tendinitis.

That midfield void has paved the way for Lions academy product Ben Keays to make his debut. Taken at pick 24 in last year’s national draft, Keays is almost certain to make the 22 after totalling 39 disposals, seven marks and six tackles for Brisbane’s NEAFL side last week.

If Rich is to miss then a further change will be needed and may not necessarily need to be like for like replacement, given the flexibility of players like Dayne Zorko, Tom Bell, Allen Christensen and Pearce Hanley.

Named first emergency for round two, midfielder Nick Robertson was handy enough in the reserves with 25 disposals and six marks, and fellow emergency Liam Dawson had 13 disposals.

Medium-sized defender Josh McGuiness was also a solid contributor with 25 disposals of his own whilst small forward Jaden McGrath also put his hand up with three goals. He may not be called upon though given the Lions already have a mosquito fleet forward line of Zorko, Green, Taylor and Christensen to name a few.

Finally, former Cat Jarrad Jansen would no doubt love to line up against his old side at his old stomping ground but with just 12 disposals in the NEAFL last week that proposition appears unlikely.

With one mandatory change and a further potential change, here is how the Lions are predicted to line up in round two:

OUT: Rockliff, Rich

IN: Robertson, Keays