Carter Michael will make his AFL debut for the Brisbane Lions when he runs out against Essendon at The Gabba on Sunday.

The medium-sized defender gets his chance following several changes for the Lions due to injury and several players entering the AFL’s Health and Safety Protocol.

Michael, a Maroochydore local, joined the Club in 2020 via the Brisbane Lions Academy.

The Lions have also named Mitch Robinson, Nakia Cockatoo, Tom Fullarton, Harry Sharp, Darcy Fort and Ryan Lester to take on the Bombers.

The long list of ins is to replace Dayne Zorko (injured), Daniel Rich (injured), Jarrod Berry (injured), Daniel McStay (HSP), Callum Ah Chee (HSP), Keidean Coleman (HSP), Harris Andrews (HSP), Jaxon Prior (injured/Medi-Sub).

In the absence of captain Zorko and vice-captain Andrews, the Lions will make an announcement on its captain for Sunday’s match.