Brisbane coach Chris Fagan is buoyed by his team's response during the AFL's Gather Round despite it coming against an inexperienced North Melbourne outfit.

Following three straight losses to open the 2024 campaign, the grand finalists of last year have history working against them, with teams few and far between returning to September after a poor start.

However, a 70-point thumping of the Kangaroos at the skinny Norwood Oval, which saw a return to form from Joe Daniher (five goals) and Eric Hipwood (three goals), has Fagan thinking his side is getting back on track.

"A win gives you a little bit of confidence, but we did play a very young, inexperienced North Melbourne team, so we've got to keep it in perspective, but it was a step in the right direction, and we'll find out a bit more tomorrow night to see how we're really going," Fagan said to reporters on Wednesday.

"I thought last week our ball movement to the forwards was really good and got it moving, so hope we get some confidence through that.

The Lions will face a red-hot Melbourne team at the MCG to kick off Round 5 on Thursday, who have won four on the trot.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Christian Petracca of the Demons breaks a tackle during the round 15 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 23, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

"They're in good form the Dees," Fagan said.

"Outside of their first game against the Swans, they've been in great form and they're on their home ground so in front of their supporters so it's a big task for us but one we're looking forward to.

"It's the quality of their backline players. They've got a tremendous midfield headed by Gawn, and then you've got Petracca, Viney, and Oliver, who are all stars of the game, and if they get on top, their forward line is dangerous.

"They've got some great individual players and a good system as well that suits them.

"I think it's good for us to have that challenge. It seems like a tough one, but I believe in our group, and I think we're on the improve."

Brisbane's chances are greatly dependent on the performance of dynamic small forward Charlie Cameron, who has been out of form to start the season.

In his four outings, Cameron has uncharacteristically kicked inaccurately in front of goal (5.9) while failing at times to hit the scoreboard frequently.

Fagan revealed that the two-time All-Australian "had a really interrupted pre-season" that derailed his preparation for 2024.

"I haven't talked about this until this point in time, but Charlie had a really interrupted pre-season with tooth surgery," Fagan said.

"Remember when he got his teeth knocked out last year?

"He had to have a series of procedures and operations across the pre-season that saw him miss a lot of training.

"Then on the eve of the season, he got the flu and missed four or five days of training.

"A little bit last week and definitely this week, his buzz and energy and fitness and feel for the game is back.

"The last quarter last week there was some really good signs that Charlie was on the way back and I'm expecting him to build on that."

Lachie Neale and Zac Bailey are also expected to play full games despite carrying ankle injuries.

Neale rolled his ankle against Collingwood and was subbed out with precaution once the Kangaroos game was done.

"The expectation is that (Neale will play this week), he trained yesterday so. It took a little bit of time to warm up but I expect him to play," Fagan said.

"Jarryd (Lyons) will be there as the sub but Lachie is playing."