The Brisbane Lions confirm Zane Zakostelsky has been selected to make his AFL debut in Saturday night’s Opening Round clash against the Western Bulldogs.

He will be joined by fellow West Australian and former West Coast captain Oscar Allen who will play his first game as a Lion at the Gabba this weekend.

Zakostelsky, originally picked up as a defender from WAFL club Claremont with Pick 51 in the 2023 draft, comes into the Lions team as another ruck option.

The 20-year-old is a powerful athlete who offers further versatility for the Lions, with the 196-centimetre West Australian having also played as a forward for Claremont.

Zakostelsky, who grew up playing basketball before choosing football, said he is beyond excited to make his debut – especially in front of a home crowd.

“When I got told I was playing my heart dropped and it was just pure joy,” Zakostelsky said.

“It means the world to me and it’s the stuff you dream about as a kid, so running out there is going to be very special.”

Coach Chris Fagan called the utility to tell him he would line up against the Bulldogs, with Zakostelsky saying the message was simply ‘just compete and play your role’.

Following Thursday’s main training session Fagan then announced the news to the playing group and staff.

“I don’t know whether anyone with the initials ZZ has played AFL football before,” Fagan said.

“But Zane Zakostelsky, after a really good preseason and some good form in the games that we have played, we’ve decided to select you this weekend so congratulations.

“Early days when you got here you had a lot of injuries you were trying to overcome and get on top of your body.

“Last year you really started to improve, this year in the pre-season you’ve done super well.

“We look forward to your contribution on the weekend; all you have to do is your best and play your role – you know that and if you can do that it will help us enormously.”

Fagan also announced the confirmation Allen would wear the maroon, blue and gold for the first time on Saturday night.

Allen has impressed on the training track since joining the club as a restricted free agent via the 2025 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

The 26-year-old key forward has also produced strong performances in the Lions intra-club matches and their match simulation against Carlton despite a concussion.

Allen will make his club debut wearing the number 4 guernsey.