Daniel Merrett’s two-match suspension will force the Brisbane Lions to re-structure their backline slightly ahead of Saturday’s clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Merrett is widely regarded as the Lions’ ‘rock in defence’ and would have most likely matched up on one of Port's main spearheads - either Jay Schulz or Justin Westhoff.

Fortunately for the Lions, they're not short on options to cover Merrett’s absence, with Jordan Lisle the man most likely to assume the full-back role.

After spending most of the pre-season training as a forward, Lisle has been switch to defence in recent weeks and looks to have embraced the role.

Along with Justin Clarke and Joel Patfull – Lisle could be entrusted with the responsibility of shutting down Port’s big men in attack.

Assistant Coach Murray Davis also hinted that Darcy Gardiner could be considered for his senior debut, should the coaching staff decide to replace Merrett with another tall.

“(Daniel Merrett’s) a big one for us to be able to cover,” Davis told LIONS TV as part of the Vero Coaches Wrap.

“We think that Darcy Gardiner is one that’s been playing some good football in the NEAFL. (Then there’s) Jordan Lisle, Justin Clarke, and we may require Joel Patfull to play a bit taller as well, but that’s something we’ll look at throughout the week.”

Davis, whose coaching focus is directed towards the Lions’ backline, said the team would have to improve their skills if they were to challenge the in-form Port.

“We’ll closely look at the game between north Melbourne and Port Adelaide from the weekend, but for us it’s about our offence and being able to own the ball for longer periods,” Davis said.

“Unfortunately we weren’t that effective by hand or foot last weekend which gave the ball back to Gold Coast.”