The Brisbane Lions have made two changes to face Geelong at GHMBA Stadium on Friday night, with both inclusions being former locals of the region.

As flagged during the week by coach Chris Fagan, the versatile Darcy Gardiner comes into the side to replace injured defender Jack Payne.

Gardiner, recruited from Queenscliff and Geelong Falcons in 2013, will play his seventh game of the season in front of many familiar onlookers including family and friends.

As will be the case for young forward Will McLachlan who has been a late addition to the team with Callum Ah Chee being ruled out with illness.

McLachlan is another former Geelong Falcons talent drafted to the Lions, with the 20-year-old former Colac local joining the Lions via the 2024 Mid-Season Draft.

The crafty forward, who kicked six goals in the VFL last week, has been named on the interchange along with Levi Ashcroft, Sam Day and Darcy Wilmot.

The Lions have listed ruckman Oscar McInerney, forward Ty Gallop and utility Bruce Reville as their three emergencies.