Ben Hudson says the NAB Challenge presents the perfect opportunity for the Lions’ young forward line to build experience through game time.

The Lions open their pre-season campaign against the Gold Coast Suns in Burpengary on Sunday, with 10 players in line for their first outing in the maroon guernsey.

Prized No.2 draft pick Josh Schache, along with second year forward Matt Hammelmann are two of the ten chosen to play their first match.

“They’ve (the forwards) all had a really competitive pre-season,” Hudson, the Club’s Rucks and Forwards Skills Coach said.

“I suppose the advantage of bringing in such a young lot of keys is it brings out the competitive spirit in a lot of the guys who are already here and those who have come in.

“Especially those first and second year players coming through – they’ve had a really good pre-season and are putting their hand up to get an opportunity when required.”

The AFL announced in September that the substitute rule would be removed and in a bid to reduce the amount of on-field congestion, interchange numbers were also slashed from 120 per match to 90, with clubs to have four interchange players on the bench.

The change is expected to increase rotations between the midfield and forward line, placing a higher level of importance on forward line chemistry.

“That will be a movement that goes through the AFL where they won’t use a rotation on the bench, they’ll rest forward with the limited rotations,” Hudson said.

The Assistant Coach emphasised that versatility would be key going forward in 2016: "I think it’s become a hybrid position - you won’t necessarily be a professional midfielder or forward these days.”

The Lions are still without small forward Josh Green (foot) and Michael Close who is in the later stages of his ACL rehab. Both are set to return in the coming weeks.

“It’s going to be very competitive (for spots),” Hudson said.

“Before Greeny’s foot injury he was leading the way as a small forward.

“Closey hasn’t missed a beat in his rehab and he’s only sort of 10 months into his ACL recovery.

“Hopefully the next couple of weeks we’ll see him out there. He’s chomping at the bit. He’s a very competitive beast having missed a year of footy, he’ll no doubt  be an asset to the club when he returns.”