ONE OF the AFL's toughest challenges will be accepted with glee by Brisbane Lions tagger Ben Fixter.

Marking Sydney's dual Brownlow Medalist Adam Goodes is nothing compared to the hurdle Fixter has overcome just to run out for the rejuvenated Lions.

Fixter is the first to admit he thought his career was all but over before being thrown a lifeline by the Lions in the 2005 pre-season draft.

The injury-plagued midfielder had managed just 27 games since making his debut for Sydney in 2000.

Fast-forward seven years and Fixter is in such fine form that he is expected to get first crack at Swans dangerman Goodes for an undefeated Lions in Sunday's AFL blockbuster clash at Sydney.

"It was my last chance and I was lucky to get the chance here so I took it with both hands," Fixter said.

"I suppose I had that chronic hamstring trouble in Sydney and just couldn't get over it.

"I came to Brisbane ... and just the different training and techniques and a bit of luck (has remained injury-free).

"Another year or two I will probably feel like I will be over it (hamstring trouble).

"But it is always in the back of your mind because it doesn't matter what you do, you could get a contact injury."

Lions coach Leigh Matthews described Goodes as Sydney's "biggest weapon".

But Fixter was hardly daunted by the task of blunting Goodes.

"It is a tough job. He's such a hard bloke to match up on. It's just that athleticism that will be a factor," he said.

"But in footy you take the bit between the teeth, so if I got the challenge I would definitely take it."

Fixter has impressed in the opening two rounds, shining against Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell and St Kilda's Lenny Hayes.

Meanwhile, Matthews said the jury was out on whether veteran midfielder Nigel Lappin (thigh) would return after the triple premiership player did not train with the main group on Wednesday night.

But Matthews all but gave the thumbs up for key ruckman Jamie Charman (Achilles) to make his season debut against the Swans.

"He (Lappin) hasn't proved it (fitness) yet," he told Network Seven.

"He's probably made progress over the last couple of days. We don't play until Sunday but he has to train on Friday.

"Jamie Charman seemed to do everything tonight so it looks like he is available as long as he pulls up okay."

Richard Hadley (knee) and Jason Roe (hamstring) are also expected to be thrown into the selection mix.