The Brisbane Lions have named a near-full strength squad for Saturday’s opening NAB Challenge game against St Kilda at Burpengary.
 
Recruits Dayne Beams and Mitch Robinson will wear Lions colours for the first time, while Daniel Rich, Jack Redden, Brent Staker and Luke McGuane will return from long injury layoffs to take on the Saints. Matthew Leuenberger and Justin Clarke have also been named.
 
The Lions’ other prized recruit Allen Christensen will sit out the game as he continues his strong recovery from back surgery, with Stefan Martin and Matt Maguire also rested.
 
Two draftees, tall defender Harris Andrews (Pick 61, and graduate of the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy) and small forward Jaden McGrath (Pick 73, from Bendigo Pioneers), have been rewarded for strong preseasons with places in the 29-man squad.
 
Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch has repeatedly said he would play close to his best squad during the NAB Challenge to give players a chance to work on combinations among the many new recruits and players returning from injury.

Brisbane Lions unplaced squad of 29 players