The Lions will go largely with the team they fielded in 2016 when they travel down the Pacific Highway to take on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

Greater Western Sydney recruit Jake Barrett played all three JLT Community Series games and could be upgraded to the senior list to make his Lions debut.

The club's other off-season buy, former Collingwood fullback Jack Frost, is suspended and will have to wait until round two.

Highly-fancied draft pick Hugh McCluggage (ankle) is likely another week or two away, while forward Josh Schache (knee) is still a chance to play, but unlikely at this stage. Visit the Brisbane Lions Health Centre

Whiting's expected Round 1 side:

Gold Coast v BRISBANE LIONS, Metricon Stadium, Saturday, March 25, 7.05pm AEST

B: Darcy Gardiner, Harris Andrews, Ryan Harwood

HB: Daniel Rich, Dan McStay, Sam Mayes

C: Rohan Bewick, Dayne Zorko, Ryan Lester

HF: Mitch Robinson, Eric Hipwood, Lewis Taylor

F: Jake Barrett, Michael Close, Ben Keays

Foll: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Dayne Beams

I/C: Tom Cutler, Ryan Bastinac, Tom Bell, Nick Robertson

New faces: Jake Barrett

Missing with injury/suspension: Allen Christensen (collarbone), Jack Frost (suspended, 1 week), Hugh McCluggage (ankle), Josh Schache (knee). 

Also see: Round 1 Match Preview