Lester, who returns from a calf strain which saw him miss the past two matches, bolsters the Lions defence and adds a valuable 243 games of experience.

Going out of the team is Shadeau Brain, who is listed as one of three emergencies with fellow defender Darragh Joyce and young midfielder Sam Marshall.

The Lions interchange has been named as Lester, Jaspa Fletcher, Conor McKenna, Eric Hipwood and James Tunstill.

Thursday night’s match is scheduled for a 7:30pm start and will be broadcast live on Seven, Fox Footy and Kayo.