AS MUCH as Josh Drummond would love to see Daniel Merrett return to the Brisbane Lions' backline, he's not expecting it any time soon.

Drummond has played three games since returning from an off-season hip problem - none of which have been alongside regular full-back Merrett.

Instead, the vice-captain has been used by coach Michael Voss as a forward and back-up ruckman since big man Matthew Leuenberger suffered a long-term injury.

Drummond, who is slowly returning to his best form, said the Lions' backline was capable of performing without Merrett if that's the way the coach opted.

"’Rodge’ (Merrett) has been terrific for us down there the last few years, but it's just one of those things you have to weigh up," Drummond said.

"It's very easy to look from the side and say ‘Rodge’ should be playing back but the guys down there, our backline, have held up reasonably well so far this year so it's given us that ability to play ‘Rodge’ in a different role.

"I know he loves being back there, and as a fellow defender it's great having him back down there. I guess it'll come down to match-ups and where it's best to use him week by week."

The Lions have played Aaron Cornelius alongside captain Jonathan Brown over the past two weeks, and re-introduced fellow marking forward Patrick Karnezis as a substitute against Geelong last week.

Drummond said although he, Matt Maguire, Joel Patfull and Jed Adcock had formed the nucleus of a solid back six, the Lions coughed up too many easy goals in last Saturday’s 38-point loss to the Cats.

He said it was an area they had spoken about at length ahead of Saturday's match against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

"You win scoring shots, you win contested footy and inside 50s and you win a high percentage of games (usually), so it's frustrating you do those things well and get beaten quite comfortably in the end," he said.

"Essendon have been terrific so far this year.

"They're a team with a lot of speed midfield and forward. (In the) times we've played them in the past few years, we've felt like we've dropped off for 15 or 20 minutes and they've taken advantage of it.

"The key for us this week is to maintain the consistent effort for four quarters and play the game on our terms."

Drummond said the loss of tagger Andrew Raines to suspension was a blow, but was confident a young player could step in and fill his role.

Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting