Injuries and suspensions have conspired against the Brisbane Lions in the past couple of weeks.

Since their inspired win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium in Round 8, the Lions have lost spearhead Jonathan Brown, full-back Daniel Merrett, and emerging defender Justin Clarke through suspension, while ruckman Matthew Leuenberger (thumb), former Club Champion Tom Rockliff (quad) and rebounding defender Mitch Golby (foot) have all succumbed to injury.

Clarke will at be available for this Friday night’s clash with Collingwood after serving his one-match ban, while the other five remain sidelined.

To compound matters, midfielder Daniel Rich (shoulder), key defender Matt Maguire (shin) and versatile big man Stefan Martin (ankle) are still a couple of weeks away from returning.

19-year-old ruckman Billy Longer has already been revealed as Leuenberger’s replacement, with Jack Crisp, Ryan Harwood, Patrick Karnezis, Todd Banfield, Aaron Cornelius, Marco Paparone and Niall McKeever seemingly next in line for a senior call-up.

It means the Lions will likely field one of their most inexperienced teams in years this Friday night at the Gabba.

But they won’t be the only one ringing in the changes, with Collingwood Senior Coach Nathan Buckley hinting at making some of his own following his team’s 47-point loss to Sydney.
  
“There clearly needs to be changes after a performance like that,” Buckley said.

Buckley cited several players both young and old as potential inclusions for the trip to Brisbane, ranging from untried rookies Kyle Martin and Adam Oxley, to fourth-year on-baller Josh Thomas, and 200-gamers Ben Johnson and Alan Didak.

Martin, in particular, who kicked six goals, collected 27 possessions and laid 10 tackles against Essendon in the VFL last week, has been praised for his “all-round performances” and “constantly buying in”.

“His pressure around the contest has been excellent and he knows where to find the ball and kick goals,” Buckley said.

Defender Heath Shaw is also expected to return.

The final Round 10 teams will be announced on Thursday evening.