Emerging key defender Jordon Bourke has revealed how he relishes the challenge of taking on the game's best forwards.

The Lions are making a habit of handing tall orders to the son of former Geelong grand final captain Damian Bourke.

On Sunday, in Sydney, Bourke played his second AFL match as the inexperienced Lions defence worked to contain the dangerous GWS forward flotilla, led by emerging star Jeremy Cameron.

It was not the first time the 20-year-old Lions Academy graduate had been thrown in the deep end.

He made his senior debut in Round 23 last year long in Geelong, when the Western Magpies and Morningside product spent time on Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins.

And during Lions intra-club hit-outs last season, he matched up on club great Jonathan Brown, who left Bourke battered and bruised.

“I’m happy to go to anyone. I’m happy to take on the challenge,’’ Bourke told The Sunday Mail.

“I copped a few knocks from Browny. It was a really good experience actually and great preparation for senior footy.

“It was Tom Hawkins last year and Jeremy Cameron this time around but it’s great to be back in the senior side.’’

Bourke’s pre-season campaign got off to a wobbly start in November when a slow 2km time trial earned a “please explain” from strength and conditioning staff.

“I’m not the best runner, especially not endurance wise, and I came in about 30 seconds over what was expected of me,’’ Bourke said.

“It was just one of those days when a few factors combined and led to a run that wasn't so great.

“It wasn’t the best way to start a pre-season but I sat down with the boys and we worked through it.’’

Becoming a relatively senior player among a young Reserves side this year has brought the best out of Bourke, who started the year on the rookie list.

“It’s a pretty young backline across both Seniors and Reserves but the coaches have got confidence in us,’’ Bourke said.

“Justin Clarke has been doing a great job being the backline general but it’s got to be a team effort down there.”