THE Brisbane Lions will take a near full strength side into Friday afternoon’s round four NAB Challenge clash with Hawthorn at Southport.

Veteran midfielder Luke Power has recovered well from a groin injury and will play his first game of the pre-season, while Simon Black and Josh Drummond have also been named in the squad.

Lions assistant coach Adrian Fletcher said on Wednesday the fitness of the Lions list meant it was a battle for selection this week.

“No doubt, you’ve probably got 31 going into 22, it doesn’t work out,” Fletcher said.

“We’re at that stage, the pointy end, when you’ve got two weeks to go before the season starts, you’ve got to pick the best players in the best form and have got the best condition to play round one.”

The inclusion of former Saint Matt Maguire, Amon Buchanan, Brent Staker and Brendan Fevola will make it more difficult for some of the Lions young guns to get a game in 2010.

But Fletcher said individual brilliance would be a secondary consideration at the selection table.

“We’ve just got to do it on their performance as a team, it’s not individuals, it’s your role to play in the team,” Fletcher said.

“We want to pick the best 22 as a team, you play your role, you give yourself a chance and it starts against the Hawks this week.”

The Lions had the weekend off after their match against Geelong was washed out, but a demanding field session on Monday made up for the lack of genuine match practice.

“They did the same amount of k’s on the track, hit the same amount of bodies, they just didn’t play an opposition team, so we’re happy where we are at the moment,” Fletcher said.

The Lions have had a rain-interrupted pre-season with two wet games and one washout, and rain again forecast for Southport on Friday.

But Fletcher said it hadn’t interrupted their preparation as they’ve done the necessary work.

The midfield coach is looking to mix up the centre brigade this year, rotating new blood like Andrew Raines and Buchanan through the engine room with the likes of tried youngsters Jack Redden and James Polkinghorne.

Power back in the side before round one will also provide a psychological boost to the side.
 
“It’s exciting for Luke,” Fletcher said.

“He had a month there where he was in the rehab. He’s had a good preparation since then. He’s had no issues and it will be good for the side to get our experienced guys back playing.”

2010 Lions members FREE match entry

Lions full and season ticket members can present their 2010 membership card at the gate for FREE access to the General Admission area for this Round 4 Lions v Hawks NAB Challenge game (subject to capacity).

A Lions membership marquee will also be located at the ground to allow fans and curent non-renewals to sign-up on the day and receive their FREE General Admission access as well.

All Season 2010 Lions members can also collect their new members-only cap by presenting the cap voucher contained in their Member Pack.