Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the call to start star draftee and father-son gun Levi Ashcroft as the substitute is based on where he "fits in the pecking order".
Ashcroft's debut will come on Saturday in the Lions' grand final rematch against Sydney at the SCG but it won't be for the full game.
Fresh off a premiership, Fagan is fortunate to have the majority of his flag-winning side available for selection, with Joe Daniher the only notable absentee from the lineup.
In a stacked midfield group consisting of two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, defensively-minded onballer Josh Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage and older brother and Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft, spots were few and fair between for Levi.
"That's just where he fits in the pecking order," Fagan said bluntly.
"We've got most of our grand final players available. It's a pretty hard team to break into and they've all been in pretty good form this pre-season, as has Levi.
"The spot that he fitted in at this point in time is as the sub, and we know he's a really talented player, but when he does come onto the field, he'll have a real impact."
The decision to debut a player as a substitute has historically caused a furore among the AFL community, with coaches hyping the occasion up, but only for the debutant to often feature for minor minutes.
However, Fagan looked up the "record books" and noted some of the game's most decorated players began their journey in the role, and hoped the same can be said for Ashcroft.
"People think it's an odd way to debut a player. There's been 166 players who have debuted as the sub since the sub was in vogue, so it's not uncommon," Fagan continued.
"And if you go have a look at the record books, you'll see some pretty fantastic players made their debut as a sub. I'm thinking Luke Parker at the Swans. Luke Breust, three-time premiership player. Lachie Neale. Dayne Zorko.
"There's some good players who started there. They're still part of the team and that's the way it needs to be viewed."
Former Sun Sam Day was also set to be a new face in the Brisbane lineup but was struck down with a family tragedy following the passing of his father.
Fagan admitted that Day would've played his first game in Lions colours, but opted to give the veteran forward time to be with his family.
Premiership ruckman Darcy Fort - who played three games in 2024 including the decider against the Swans - retained his spot in the senior side, but will likely play as a target in the front half whilst chopping out Oscar McInerney in the ruck.
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="400px" width="1000px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
