THE BRISBANE Lions will decide on Thursday whether to take a punt on injured defensive lynchpin Josh Drummond against Melbourne at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Drummond's strained calf was set to undergo a rigorous workout in the Lions' main hit-out for the week, an intensive closed session on Wednesday night at the Gabba.

Lions assistant coach Adrian Fletcher said Drummond would be rushed back into the side if fit, despite the defensive pressure being eased by the return of Daniel Merrett and Joel Patfull.

"We pick our best side week in, week out and if Drummo is fit and we believe he can play his percentage of game time, we've got to pick the best side," he said.

With coach Michael Voss vowing to retain the in-form Lachlan Henderson and Jason Roe in the backline, the Lions have a mathematical dilemma; trying to fit everyone into a back six desperate to impress.

"It's a great dilemma to have," Fletcher said.

"It's probably the first opportunity we've had all season to try and squeeze eight defenders into six defenders."

"We've just got to make sure the team balances up, we've run well all season; we just don't want to take away our run."

Fletcher said giving players regular games when they were in form was a priority for the coaching staff, with youngsters such as James Polkinghorne, Daniel Rich, Sam Sheldon and Scott Harding now regulars in the side.

"We always make sure that we reward the people who play their roles and are in good form, and that's a really important component of getting better as a side," he said.

Fletcher said the Lions had not spoken about last season's heart-breaking one-point loss to the Demons in round 14.

The defeat ultimately proved costly as the Lions faded during the latter part of the season to finish in 10th place, two wins outside the top eight.

"It's a new season, we wouldn't speak about last year anyway," Fletcher said.

"We've got a new game style; it's our first real chance to play Melbourne under Michael Voss so we'll see what happens."

Saturday night's game pits number one draftee Jack Watts against the NAB AFL Rising Star favourite, Daniel Rich.

While Rich (pick number seven) has played every game and been a key contributor in his debut season, Watts has managed just two games at the top level.

Fletcher said Watts' lack of game time wa understandable given that he was a key forward.

"Key position players take a lot longer; they've got longer limbs, they take time to fill out," he said.

"They're like big giraffes when they first come to a footy club and Daniel's played senior footy in Western Australia; they're totally different players."

"Watts is going to be a great player. It will take time, he will build his body and he will be a very good player in the future."