The Brisbane Lions will be without all of the ‘Three R’s’ – Tom Rockliff (suspended), Jack Redden (leg) and Daniel Rich (knee) – for the first time since the trio were drafted to the Club together at the end of 2008.

Since then, Rockliff, Redden and Rich have established themselves as the team’s midfield core, so it goes without saying that the Lions will have some pretty big shoes to fill ahead of this Saturday night’s clash with West Coast at the Gabba.

But Assistant Coach Shane Woewodin says their absence simply presents an opportunity for someone else to step into that type of role.

“We’re certainly lacking a bit of experience in the midfield, but it just creates another opportunity for a younger player,” Woewodin told LIONS TV as part of the Vero Coaches’ Wrap.

“We might have to get a Dayne Zorko or ‘Squizzzy’ Taylor to play a bit more midfield time this week.

“We’ve also got some guys in the NEAFL who have been in consistent form – such as Zac O’Brien and Jack Crisp.

“So there are a couple of guys in there who might get their opportunity.”

Of the players available for selection, Pearce Hanley (23.2 disposals per game) and Ryan Lester (19.1 disposals) are the two leading possession-winners at the Lions so will likely shoulder greater responsibility.

The likes of James Aish, Sam Mayes, and Claye Beams are also capable of rotating through the midfield as required.