Marcus Adams will make his long-awaited return to senior action against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
The powerful defender has not played since round one, 2020 where he suffered a foot injury against Hawthorn at the MCG.
At 27-years-of-age Adams adds some maturity, but the Lions will still be a less experienced side than the one that fought out a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Cats in Geelong on Friday night.
With Deven Robertson and Connor Ballenden as other new additions, the Lions will again field a host of players including Tom Berry, Jack Payne and Tom Fullarton with less than seven games AFL experience.
Second year player Robertson returns for his second AFL match having made his debut in the 2020 season opener against the Hawks.
Hyundai Help For Kids Academy product Ballenden also debuted in 2020 and made two senior appearances against Essendon and Richmond, both at Metricon Stadium.
He comes into the side to replace Oscar McInerney who is out with an ankle injury and will join Tom Fullarton in the ruck.
Youngsters Harry Sharp, who made his debut against the Swans in Rd 1 and Jaxon Prior who followed up in Rd 2, have been omitted.
Jarrod Berry, who was a late withdrawal against the Cats, was unable to overcome hamstring soreness and could not be considered.
Attending the game? As per Vic Government regulations, fans attending matches this weekend in Victoria will need to QR code sign in once they are in the stadium.
Fans are encouraged to:
- Download your mobile ticket before you arrive at the venue
- Forward tickets to the individuals attending within your group
- Download the Service Victoria app before you arrive at the venue
- Arrive early and enter via the Gate noted on your ticket
- Once inside the venue, scan the QR Code and check-in
