BRISBANE Lions full-back Daniel Merrett says the side has learnt its lesson about underestimating opposition and will look to make amends against Essendon at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

Merrett said the Lions were forced to dwell on the one-point loss to Melbourne for a fortnight and, because of that, was confident they’d avoid the same mistake.

"Usually a week is a long time [to think about a loss] … it felt like two weeks was a very long time," he said.

"We’ve learnt our lesson not to take anything for granted.

"Hopefully we’ve learned from that last game and we make sure we come prepared to play."

Merrett said the Lions had been competitive all year, even in their losing efforts, and to slip to the Demons unexpectedly was disappointing.

While they have won six of eight matches at the Gabba this season, the Lions have only managed two wins from six matches on the road – against Port Adelaide and Carlton.

"Just for the team morale, a win away from home is very important," he said. "We haven’t had one for a while so I think this weekend becomes a very important game."

Merrett, who continues to emerge as a reliable defender, expects to play on one of the Bombers' key forwards – Matthew Lloyd or Scott Lucas.

"I think Lloydy has been playing up the field a little bit more, but whoever plays the deepest I’ll get them," he said.

"With them both playing, Essendon seem to play very well so it’s going to be a tough task."

And Merrett doesn't believe the Bombers' lengthy injury list suggests they will be any less of a challenge.

"It’s not something you prepare for. Whoever they’ve got on the field I suppose you just play for that. I don’t think you depend on someone having injuries," he said.

"I think the break has helped us. Everyone is shaping up very well, we should have the full team to select from and everyone should be on the paddock.

"We have put a couple of good training sessions together and we are pretty confident going into this weekend."

Midfielder Travis Johnstone, a late omission ahead of the Demons clash, is in line for a return after missing the last two weeks with a hamstring injury.

Natalie Ireland is employed by Velocity Sports Management, which represents Daniel Merrett.