If for some reason you've missed it, a lot has been happening at the Brisbane Lions this week. 

With nine changes from Chris Fagan’s best-22 that defeated the Western Bulldogs last week, the Lions have re-called several new and familiar faces to take on Essendon at the Gabba this Sunday.

But fear not, we’ve broken down everything you need to know ahead of bounce.

The Ins

Carter Michael

A beautiful kick and a rebounding half-back, Carter Michael will play his first AFL game on Sunday.

With blonde hair and a cannon of a left foot, Michael has often drawn comparisons to senior teammate, Daniel Rich.

The medium-sized defender has impressed in the VFL with his penetrating left foot able and intercepting.

The 20-year-old was a standout in the Lions 62-point win over the Northern Bullants, racking up 26 disposals, 10 marks and five inside 50s.

Mitch Robinson

Ins don’t get much more helpful than this one. A 240-game veteran, Robinson will bring vital experience and grunt to a youthful Lions side.

‘Robbo’ has been a standout for the VFL and was in the best-on-ground votes against Footscray last week, collecting 26 disposals, nine marks, five tackles and finishing with a goal.

The 33-year-old will be fired up and ready to make a statement with his performance on Sunday.

Ryan Lester

Another experienced head in for the Lions.

Lester brings plenty of versatility to an undermanned Lions backline. The 159-gamer can play tall or small and will provide plenty of leadership for Brisbane.

The 29-year-old has also proved his ability to swing forward, playing a critical role in the depleted Lions forward line last year in their semi-final against the Bulldogs.

Harry Sharp

With arguably the biggest tank in the competition, Harry Sharp will line up for his sixth AFL game on Sunday.

Averaging 20 touches in his last month of football, Sharp will provide plenty of dash on the wing for Brisbane and is classy by foot.

Nakia Cockatoo

Cockatoo will return to the Lions side for the first time since Round 5.

A bash and crash forward with the ability to explode through the midfield, Cockatoo was best-on-ground for Brisbane in their VFL win over Footscray last week.

In wet conditions, the big-bodied utility was strong over the football, collecting 23 disposals and kicking 2 goals.

Darcy Fort

Having impressed in the first half of the season, Fort was arguably an unlucky omission from Brisbane’s 22 post-bye.

In his two outings for the Lions VFL side, Fort has continued to knock on the door of selectors, with two outstanding performances.

The stats don’t lie:

Fort vs Collingwood

• 20 disposals
• 2 goals
• 9 marks
• 24 hitouts
• 9 clearances

Fort vs Footscray

• 20 disposals
• 1 goal
• 36 hitouts
• 10 clearances

Tom Fullarton

Fullarton has been a dominant presence in the Lions VFL forward line and will provide plenty of opportunity for the Brisbane smalls.

Like Lester, Fullarton has been used in both defence and attack and will bring plenty of versatility for Chris Fagan’s side.

The 23-year-old can clunk contested marks, pinch hit in the ruck and hit the scoreboard. He was critical for Brisbane in their win over Collingwood in the VFL, collecting 24 disposals, eight marks and kicking three goals.

James Madden

A late in for Noah Answerth, Jimmy Madden will provide plenty of dash out of defensive 50.

Lining up for his second game of the season, the Irishman’s speed will be an important asset to Sunday’s side.

But with Zorko and Harris out, who’s Captain?

Lachie Neale will Captain the side on Sunday afternoon.

Elevated to the leadership group when he first arrived in Brisbane in 2019, Neale has led by example on-field and proved his loyalty to the club by signing a recent contract extension, tying him with the Lions until 2026.

What Else is Happening

• In celebration of NAIDOC Week, the Brisbane Lions will be wearing their Indigenous Guernsey, designed by Darryl White.
• The Long Walk will take place pre-game, starting in Southbank from 11am with Michael Long and Brisbane Lions AFLW players leading the walk.
• The Club will also be donating $500 for every goal kicked and donating the proceeds to Ronald McDonald House to support seriously ill children and their families.