The Lions have welcomed back a trio of experienced campaigners and called on Matt Eagles as a Mr Fix-It in the ruck for Saturday’s clash with the Bulldogs.

Eagles, the best on ground in the Lions’ NEAFL premiership last season, will make his first senior appearance of the fifth of his career.

Veteran Daniel Rich is back from a hamstring injury and will assume his defensive position alongside Grant Birchall who also returns after being rested for Tuesday night’s loss to the Tigers.

Key forward Dan McStay is back after serving a two-match ban.

Youngsters Connor Ballenden, Sam Skinner and Jack Payne go out of the side while Cam Rayner has been ruled out with a hamstring strain.

Senior coach Chris Fagan said that with the Lions preparing for their third game in eight days, he was pleased to have some fresh legs in the side and he had no concerns at once again making multiple changes.

“It would be good to have some fresh plyers in the side, there’s no doubt about that,’’ he said.

“If you look at selection across the board in AFL footy over the past two or three weeks there has probably been more changes to teams than there would be normally.

“I think all the teams have that in mind, finding the balance of playing he best available team but also making sure you have some freshness as well.’’