After conceding 16 goals against the Sydney Swans last weekend, the Brisbane Lions’ defensive group can expect an equally tough task this Saturday night when St Kilda pays visit to the Gabba.

Headlining the Saints’ armoury in attack are Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke who together form one of the most dangerous forward combinations in the competition.

But Lions Assistant Coach Gary O’Donnell says St Kilda’s smaller forwards pose just as big of a threat as their key big men.

“It’s not just their talls - when they’re on, they’re a fairly potent forward line,” O’Donnell told LIONS TV as part of the Club’s weekly Vero Coaches’ Wrap segment.

“(Stephen) Milne is always dangerous, and you can also throw (Terry) Milera and (Ahmed) Saad in there as well as dangerous ground-level players.”

“They’ve also got Riewoldt and Koschitzke. It will be interesting to see how they set-up - Kozi will probably do some ruckwork as well.”

The Lions know all too well Milne’s capabilities in front of goal, particularly considering the elusive Saint kicked a record 11-goal haul against the Club a number of years ago.

St Kilda’s multi-pronged forward structure was at its best last week during their 71-point demolition of Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

The Saints had seven multiple goal-scorers, with Milne (five goals) and Riewoldt (four) causing the most damage on the scoreboard.

But the likes of Beau Wilkes, Adam Schneider and Round 15 Rising Star nominee Arryn Siposs also chimed in with multiples.

With Swans pair Sam Reid and Adam Goodes combining for nine goals last week, the Lions’ defence are set to have their hands full again with Riewoldt, Milne, Koschitzke and co.

Even without former-Saint-turned-Lion Matt Maguire, who remains sidelined with an elbow injury, O’Donnell wasn’t expecting too many changes to the team’s defensive unit.

“I think we’ll be going in with a similar structure to what we have been going in with,” he said.