Cedric Cox, Rhys Mathieson and Rohan Bewick will play their first AFL games of 2018 after Chris Fagan named them in the Brisbane Lions' team to take on Melbourne on Saturday at the Gabba. 

The trio come into the team for Daniel Rich, Mitch Robinson and Tom Bell

Rich has been sidelined with an ankle injury, Robinson has a one-match suspension for striking and Bell has been omitted.

Cox, Mathieson and Bewick will start on the interchange.

Mathieson was ineligible for selection in Round 1 due to a minor hamstring complaint but has had a very strong pre-season and will be raring to make an impact in the midfield and forward line.

Bewick and Cox have had strong outings in the recent NEAFL practice matches and both played in AFLX earlier this year. 

Allen Christensen, in his 100th game, will start in the forward line.

Saturday’s game is the first at the Gabba for the year and the Demons' first trip to the ground in five years.

Bounce is at 6.25pm AEST.

See everything that's happening around the ground on the day in the match day information

IN: Rhys Mathieson, Cedric Cox, Rohan Bewick

OUT: Mitch Robinson (suspension), Daniel Rich (injury), Tom Bell (omitted)