DESPITE injuries to two more key players, it's not all doom and gloom at the Brisbane Lions, says coach Justin Leppitsch.
Goalsneak Josh Green (foot) and midfield enforcer Mitch Robinson (ankle) are the latest to join a long list of players on the sidelines.
In the 18 months Leppitsch has been senior coach, he could feel cursed, but he believes there is a silver lining.
"The positive is we've been able to blood some kids who've shown some good signs," Leppitsch said.
"We're actually building, long-term, some depth on our list, which is exciting."
Unearthing youngsters such as Harris Andrews, Hugh Beasley and Marco Paparone has been an undoubted highlight in a two-win season.
And although Green and Robinson have gone down, it is almost certain the Lions will regain three familiar faces to play the Sydney Swans at the Gabba on Sunday.
Captain Tom Rockliff, fullback Daniel Merrett and classy midfielder Pearce Hanley need to only get through Thursday afternoon's main session to regain their positions.
Rockliff has missed six weeks with broken ribs, while Merrett will play his first game since recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him after round one.
He has played two matches in the NEAFL for conditioning.
Leppitsch said although it was exciting to expose young players to senior football, the value of having older heads on the field could not be underestimated.
Merrett has played 172 games, Rockliff 108, and Hanley is due to play his 100th against the Swans.
"Not just their own individual performance, but how they can direct others," Leppitsch said when asked what the trio would add.
"You've got three other leaders out there that can help other people and that's understated.
"They understand the roles so much better and can communicate them better than the younger players.
"They tend to be better from a team perspective and they're the things the public don't see but they help us structure up better."
Leppitsch said Merrett's return would be particularly useful to ease the burden on his inexperienced backline.
"He'll allow Justin Clarke to play his core role, which is to play on someone.
"Clarkey's been having to do a lot of the directing work down there and it's a difficult role.
"You've got to not only think of yourself but five others and it's hard for a young player to do consistently.
"He's done well, but I think with Daniel playing that role, it helps us that's for sure."
