Brisbane's next debutant has shown perseverance that his coach could ignore no longer. 

Mitch Hinge is in his third year on the Lions' rookie list and after a terrific start to his NEAFL season has been called up to play Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday. 

Much like the other Lions debutant in 2019, Noah Answerth, who overcame a fractured back in his under-18 year, Hinge has had to persist when sometimes it looked like his chance might not come.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said the 20-year-old South had been "knocking on the door" for quite some time, and not just with his good form.

"He's one of those lads that works hard to improve his game, he's always knocking on my door for a chat to see what he needs to do next," Fagan said. 

"I'm really pleased for him that after two-and-a-half years on our list that he's broken through for his opportunity." 

Fagan told the South Australian during Thursday's team meeting. 

"A little smile came on his face," Fagan said. 

"I watched him and he was half concentrating in the meeting and half thinking about the opportunity he's been presented, which you can understand."

Hinge is a 190cm utility that has spent plenty of time at either half-back or on the wing.

He's one of two changes to the Brisbane team that lost to the Western Bulldogs last weekend, joining returning Josh Walker at the expense of omitted duo Ryan Lester and Tom Cutler.

Brisbane has lost its past seven matches against Adelaide, not defeating it since 2012.

"It's third on the ladder against fifth on the ladder," Fagan said.

"It's like round one against the West Coast Eagles, we've got to embrace that challenge. 

"Sometimes if you focus on the result you can play a bit fearful.

"For us it's trying to be fearless each week and take every challenge as it comes."