Exciting young forward Jonathan Freeman will play his first game of 2015 when the Brisbane Lions take on Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, a graduate of the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy, has missed the entire season to date after back surgery then a bad ankle injury,  but has worked his way into the Senior team after getting through two weeks in the NEAFL.

Stars Dayne Beams (shoulder) and Pearce Hanley (hamstring) also return after missing last week’s loss to North Melbourne at the Gabba.

James Aish will miss the rest of the season after finger tendon surgery, while Brent Staker and Hugh Beasley have been omitted.

Aish done for Season

Freeman, 21, is a welcome sight for Brisbane Lions fans having finished last season with an impressive burst of form after making his Senior debut in Round 20 at the Gabba against Adelaide.

The Sunshine Coaster led strongly and took a number of big contested marks in kicking 6 goals in four games, and whetting fans’ appetite for a big 2015 before preseason back surgery halted his progress.

He worked his way back to the training paddock before an ankle injury sidelined him again mid-season.

Freeman made history last year by becoming the first ever graduate of the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy to be selected on the Club’s Senior list through the Draft.

Adelaide bid their third round draft selection – Pick No.42 overall – for Freeman, which was matched by the Lions, who ended up acquiring him with the fourth round selection (Pick No.59 overall).

Click here to see both teams

In: Dayne Beams,  Pearce Hanley, Jonathan Freeman

Out: James Aish (Hand), Hugh Beasley (Omitted), Brent Staker (Omitted)