The return of captain Tom Rockliff has inspired a win-less Brisbane to come out with “all guns blazing” against West Coast on Sunday, Lions midfielder Mitch Robinson says.

Ex-Carlton star Robinson ruffled feathers upon arrival in Brisbane when he admitted his former AFL club considered the Lions “walkovers”.

Unfortunately they have not done anything since his pre-season comment to defy that theory, stumbling to a 0-3 season start including last round’s 79-point home loss to Richmond.

However, Robinson believes Rockliff’s remarkable return three weeks early from broken ribs and a punctured lung would inspire something special against the Eagles at the Gabba.

“I think so. He’s our leader and we know how passionate he is about getting back out on the field after a 0-3 start,” Robinson told AAP.

“His return is a testament to his character.

“We can’t wait to see him out there – he’s a big presence on the field.”

Both Lions and Eagles are coming off a big last-round loss and are battling key injuries.

West Coast’s defence has been depleted by the unavailability Mitch Brown, Eric Mackenzie and Jeremy McGovern.

However, it remains to be seen if that can be exploited by an injury-hit Lions outfit ranked last in the league in defence – and offence too for that matter.

They average a lousy 61 points a game and concede an average of 119 – a trend that looks set to continue with West Coast forward Josh Kennedy looming large at the Gabba.

“We both have some pretty big outs but there are no excuses,” Robinson said.

“This will be a big test of character.

“We are going to come out with all guns blazing and try and get a win on the board – it will all start with attitude.”

West Coast have won three of their last four Gabba matches.