Brisbane could be without "integral" defender Jack Payne for their preliminary final against Carlton on Saturday as the breakout defender continues to nurse an ankle injury.
Payne has been forced to manage his workload over the past week after aggravating the concern against Port Adelaide in week one of the post-season, placing him in some doubt to play this weekend against a surging Blues outfit.
The 23-year-old was left to light duties at Tuesday morning's training session and will be in a race against the clock to be cleared to play, potentially opening the door for recruit Darragh Joyce or forgotten defender Darcy Gardiner.
The Lions confirmed on Tuesday that Payne will be further assessed following Thursday's main training session before a call on his selection status is made.
Speaking to reporters, Brisbane backman Harris Andrews said the club has its fingers crossed Payne will be available to help tame the Blues' attack but has backed in any potential reinforcements to step up to the occasions if required.
"He's got a bit of a sore foot and ankle. He'll train today and we'll see how he goes," Andrews said.
"A few of us have had some load management stuff over the last couple of weeks, it's been a long season so making sure we're right to go at this time of the year is really important.
"He's played a really vital part for us this year, so fingers crossed he's right to go. He's been an integral part of our backline, his development has been unreal for us as a group.
"I feel like this year we've shown we've got great depth. Guys like Darragh Joyce and Darcy Gardiner, those guys can come in.
"From what I gather, and 'Fages' talks about it all the time, good teams have great depth. That's something we've had all year, it's really exciting."
The Blues could have both Harry McKay (concussion) and Jack Martin (suspension) available for the preliminary final after missing the thrilling two-point win over Melbourne last Friday.
McKay presents as the likely man for Payne to go toe-to-toe with at the Gabba, with the latter's potential absence causing a large selection swing in favour of the travelling side.
Having built a defensive system that is less "matchup-based" and more team-orientated, Andrews said the Lions must back in their system to have a chance of shutting down Carlton's forward threats.
"They've got a really dangerous forward line," Andrews said.
"They played well on the weekend and they've got a couple of guys in McKay and Martin who potentially come back in.
"They've been playing some good team footy down there and it'll be another really good challenge for us as a backline. The mids and forward have done a great job limiting supply, if we can continue to put pressure around the ball it'll make our jobs a bit easier.
"Nothing changes from a mindset perspective (following selection changes), we just keep playing the same way we have all year. That's something we've tried to develop as a group in the backline this year, just playing our system.
"Years gone by we've probably been a little matchup-based and worried about that sort of stuff, but we can just focus on what we've done really well this year on playing for each other.
"There's a really clear understanding within our backline group of what needs to be done in each role. We've got full trust that anyone who comes into the team can play that role."
The Blues might not be the only side for Saturday's final that could see their spear sharpened, with the Lions to weigh up whether to recall veteran sharpshooter Jack Gunston for his first game since Round 22.
Gunston has been sidelined with a knee injury since his side's narrow win over Adelaide in mid-August but has been cleared to face the Blues.
Andrews said Gunston will provide unmatched finals experience if he is named for the Lions' preliminary final.
"'Gunners' is going well, he's had a really good block of training since he hurt his knee," the Lions co-captain said.
"He's fighting fit, seems to be ready to go, so that's up to 'Fages' and the coaches to decide whether he plays or not. The experience that he's brought to our group this time of the year is really important.
"He's been part of some really successful teams, so we've been leaning on him in regards to that."
Brisbane will host Carlton at the Gabba at 5:15pm (AEST) on Saturday evening, with a win booking them a spot in the grand final against either Collingwood or GWS.
