The Brisbane Lions have named a strong line-up ahead of its final pre-season hitout against Essendon at Visy Park this Saturday afternoon.

The unplaced squad of 25 players is similar to the side that defeated Carlton by 64 points at Maroochydore last weekend.

Full-back Daniel Merrett looks set to continue his makeshift role as a key forward alongside one of either Matthew Leuenberger or draftee Billy Longer, who will also form the team’s ruck combination.

Midfielder Daniel Rich will also benefit from additional match practice after successfully getting through half a game last week against the Blues.

The most notable absentee from last week’s team is veteran utility Ash McGrath who is being rested after playing in each of the team’s first four NAB Cup matches.

Ryan Harwood, Rohan Bewick and rookie Jack Crisp have been included in the senior squad after strong performances with the Lions Reserves last weekend.

The Lions' unplaced squad of 25 players is as follows:

2. RYAN HARWOOD
3. SAM SHELDON
4. JARED POLEC
5. BILLY LONGER
7. JED ADCOCK
10. DANIEL RICH
11. PEARCE HANLEY
17. CLAYE BEAMS
18. TODD BANFIELD
20. SIMON BLACK
21. DANIEL MERRETT
23. MATTHEW LEUENBERGER
24. JOEL PATFULL
28. PATRICK KARNEZIS
30. JACK REDDEN
31. JAMES POLKINGHORNE
32. CHEYNEE STILLER
34. JESSE O’BRIEN
35. RYAN LESTER
36. MATT MAGUIRE
38. TOM ROCKLIFF
40. NIALL MCKEEVER (Rookie)
41. MITCHELL GOLBY
43. ROHAN BEWICK
47. JACK CRISP (Rookie)