The Brisbane Lions have been buoyed by the return of captain Tom Rockliff to the side after missing round three and four with a calf injury.
Ruckman Stefan Martin has also been cleared to play on Saturday night after being met heavily by Gold Coast’s Steven May on the weekend.
The 29-year-old was concussed following the incident but club doctors have cleared him to face the Dogs.
Half-forward Sam Mayes has been omitted from the side that defeated the Suns by 13 points.
Stats Box
- Ranked 12th in Points per game.
- Ranked 13th in Tackles per game.
- Ranked 13th in Hitouts per game.
Talking Heads
"We can't simulate Etihad Stadium with 25,000 opposition supporters yelling at us. Experience tends to prepare you for that," he said.
"I don't think we're going to get it down here at Coorparoo so we have to just be mentally prepared that that's what's going to happen.
"What's going to have to happen this week is the first guy's just got to kick a goal and settle us down."
- Justin Leppitsch
Last time we met
Round 23, 5 September 2015, Brisbane Lions defeated Western Bulldogs 130-122 at the Gabba.
