Sunday will mark 169 days since the Lions’ last match and after a long pre-season they will open their 2016 pre-season campaign against the Gold Coast Suns in Burpengary.

Lions.com.au takes a look at some of the key players to watch on Sunday.

Sam Mayes

If you asked the Club’s fitness staff who has impressed over the summer months, Sam Mayes’ name would be sure to rate a mention.

A stand-out on the track this pre-season, Mayes will look to nail down a spot on a half-back flank and wing.

"I think I've learnt a bit over the last couple of years and hopefully I can build on that and put it into this season."

Tom Bell

Arriving from Carlton in the off-season, Tom Bell has only added to the Lions’ midfield depth.

Bringing with him high energy and a high work rate, he was ranked in the top five last year in red-time.

Watch out for Bell to have a big impact late in quarters.

“If he’s not our best runner, he’s one of our best two or three” – Simon Black

Jonathan Freeman

Competition is heating up across the Lions' forward line with the arrival of No.2 draft pick Josh Schache and former Geelong Cat Josh Walker, but 21-year-old Jonathan Freeman is revelling in the challenge.

Freeman has struggled with early injuries across the past two seasons, but has had an uninterrupted 2016.

Freeman stamped his authority on the opening half of last Friday's intra-club game at Burpengary, taking a bag of contested marks and kicking two goals.

Keep an eye on Freeman in the Lions’ forward line on Sunday.

“There is that void in the side that needs to be filled and the competition is healthy.

“I feel ready to take that next step and play week-in, week-out and play a role for the team.” – Jonathan Freeman

Josh Walker

One of the Lions’ prime trade targets, Geelong recruit Josh Walker beckons as the Club’s main key forward target.

Walker has played just 33 senior games, but the 23-year-old has a sizeable weight on his shoulders ahead of the 2016 season.

In an at times interrupted pre-season, Walker completed his first intra-club hit out last weekend and will likely use the opening round of the NAB Challenge to build on match fitness.

"If I can provide an option, give a contest and help lock it in and kick a few goals, that'd be nice. I think it can work really well and I'm excited about it.” – Josh Walker

Ben Keays

The Lions Academy product will get his first senior opportunity on Sunday against the Suns.

Keays has been under the tutelage of Simon Black over the summer honing his skills.

“He’s got a neat left foot, but how he can adapt that to the speed of AFL will be a good challenge for him.” – Simon Black

Rhys Mathieson

Another 2015 draftee to make his debut on the weekend, Rhys Mathieson’s size and grunt make him a difficult match up.

Impressing over the pre-season with his competitiveness. Watch out for Mathieson beneath the pack or at clearances winning his own footy with ease.

“He’s got that good technique of being able to win a free kick — he’s got that down pat. The challenge will be, like all the kids coming in, improving the defensive side of his game and not ball watching.” – Simon Black

Josh Schache

With the weight of the football world and Lions fans on Schache’s young shoulders – the 18-year-old hasn’t done anything to lessen big expectations. After one two goal and one four goal haul in the Club’s intra-club matches early in February, Schache looks primed for his first senior hit-out on Sunday.

He’s added some bulk to his frame over the summer months and is one to watch against the Suns.

“We know he is very young and it’s all very much ahead of him but we’re really excited about the prospect of what he can do for the Club going forward,” – Simon Black

Mitch Robinson

Mitch Robinson will be Brisbane’s oldest player on Sunday with the Lions fielding a squad that includes five first-year players and two second-year players (Josh Clayton and Matt Hammelmann) who are yet to taste senior-level football.

Given the role of captain for the match, watch out for ‘Robbo’s’ trademark attack and grunt in and under.

“I know it’s a young team so my job will be making sure the young blokes have fun but play their roles and stick to the structures at the same time,” – Mitch Robinson.

Archie Smith

In Stefan Martin’s absence Archie Smith will be given an opportunity in the ruck after his best pre-season yet.

The 20-year-old has been under the tutelage of Martin for the past two seasons.

Fans will get their second glimpse into Smith's development in the NAB Challenge opener against Gold Coast at Burpengary, 12 months after making his debut against St Kilda at the same venue.

Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch said Smith is now far better placed to show his wares on the senior stage.

“I think he’s in a better place this year than he was last year to take it (the ruck role) on.

“He’s got a great teacher in Stef Martin who’s been teaching him the ropes – he’s been doing really well.” – Justin Leppitsch

Jaden McGrath

Jaden McGrath will return for his first taste of senior football since his season ended in round three against Richmond in 2015 when he sustained a foot injury.

The 19-year-old recently signed a two year contract extension and will hope to return to the early form of last season that impressed senior coach, Justin Leppitsch.

"There's a pretty simple lesson in life, if you put in good performances, put your head over the ball, do what's asked, you get a go.

"Over the weeks I was probably trying to find way to keep him out of the team because you're thinking 'he's a pick 70, he's a skinny kid, surely this can't be happening' but he's defied all those odds,” – Justin Leppitsch

TEAM: Robinson To Lead Young Lions