Backline Coach Murray Davis concedes he may lose star defender Harris Andrews to the forwards after the Liions' Vice-Captain impressed inside 50 against the Suns on the weekend.

For the first time this season Andrews was switched from fullback to full forward and kicked one goal. Davis believes this will not be the last time we see him there.

“I think it’s something up our sleeve that we can use in games if we need to,” Davis told lions.com.au.

“Certainly, as a backline coach I like having him in defence.

“But it’s what’s best for the side. The fact that he can do that, and others as well, is a really good weapon to have.”

Injuries to Darcy Gardiner and Alex Witherden and the late withdrawal of Oscar McInerney saw players shuffle to the backline who are not usually seen there.

Forward Allen Christensen moved back, while Zac Bailey was moved from the midfield to halfback.

Davis praised both their performances.

“He (Christensen) did a terrific job. He got a lot of the footy. He gave us a lot of attack from the back half,” he said.

While draftee Bailey showed a lot of potential in his unfamiliar role.

"He’s (Bailey) got some real zip and dash at halfback. He was sort of learning on the run.”