So…who replaces Tom Rockliff is the Brisbane Lions side this Saturday?

That’s the $64,000 question, particularly as the Lions are already without Jack Redden (foot) and Daniel Rich (knee) for their clash with West Coast.

Having the ‘Three R’s’ all sidelined might have opened the door for Brent Moloney’s senior return, but he too will be unavailable for selection after hurting his Achilles in the NEAFL last weekend.

That leaves the Lions without four of their most experience midfielders, against an Eagles line-up that includes the likes of Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff, and Chris Masten.

You would expect that Ryan Lester, James Aish, Claye Beams, Dayne Zorko, Sam Mayes, Rohan Bewick, and Lewy Taylor will all be forced to take on greater midfield responsibilities at times, while Jack Crisp and Zac O’Brien seem next in line for a a senior call-up.

O’Brien has been a ball-magnet in the NEAFL all season and has already had a brief taste of senior AFL action this season, while Crisp is a hard-nosed midfielder looking for his first senior match of 2014.

Nick Robertson would also be a chance to play his eighth AFL match, while Andrew Raines could add some valuable experience.

It’s hard to see the Lions making too many other unforced changes to their backline, considering it proved to be one of the team’s strengths against Richmond last Saturday.

The Lions are also expected to persist with its two-pronged spearhead formation in attack, featuring Daniel Merrett and Michael Close, with the Mozzie Squad buzzing at their heels.

The Lions’ full Round 17 team will be announced on lions.com.au at 6:25pm this evening.