Chris Fagan says his young Lions team would take "belief" from beating a strong side like Melbourne even if Saturday's game was "just a practice match".

Fagan was particularly pleased with the Lions' ability to win the clearances 40-29 and contested possessions 159-150, praising the hardnosed work of Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lyons, Rhys Mathieson, Jarrod Berry and Lincoln McCarthy.

"Melbourne always give you a great test in that area. You need to do well and break even to have a chance to beat them," Fagan said.

"It's not been one of our great strengths for a long time at Brisbane. It's something we've worked really hard on, so credit to our coaches for the work they've done with the players over the summer.

"First test of that: well passed."

Lions ruckman Archie Smith was injured in the first quarter of Saturday's JLT game when he suffered a knock to the throat.

The emerging ruckman had staked a claim for the Lions' No.1 ruck spot in the Club's opening JLT win over Hawthorn, but now faces a delayed start to the season.

"He's in hospital being assessed," Fagan said.

"We've got no idea at this moment the extent of the injury, we're hopeful it's not too bad."