Brisbane coach Michael Voss is confident the Lions can cover the loss of ruckman Matthew Leuenberger.
The 204cm Leuenberger was ruled out for at least four weeks on Tuesday as he recovers from a dislocated thumb suffered in last weekend’s loss to Carlton at the Gabba.
But Voss believes second-year player Billy Longer is the tailor-made replacement to take over Leuenberger’s duties.
“He’s played plenty of games under his belt, he’s had three or four games already this year,” Voss told reporters.
“It’s like-for-like for us. Leuey’s been playing 80-90 per cent in the ruck and that’s probably what we’ll ask Billy to do at the same time.
“We’re very confident that he can come in and do the job that we’re asking him to do.”
Leuenberger’s absence is not the only challenge facing Voss ahead of Friday night’s clash with Collingwood at the Gabba.
Vice-captain Tom Rockliff is out for up to two weeks with a quad injury, meaning Voss will need to call on the cavalry with senior players Daniel Merrett (suspended) and Daniel Rich (shoulder) already ruled out of the Magpies game.
“If that means we have to play young players to come in and fill roles for us, that’s a wonderful exciting opportunity,” he said.
“Playing at our home ground, in front of hopefully 30,000-plus people under Friday night lights.
“For us as a club and a team it’s pretty exciting.”