BRISBANE Lions have made one change to face the Hawks on Saturday afternoon at the Gabba.

Tom Cutler returns from injury in place of Billy Evans.

What to expect

After pushing the Sydney Swans all the way to the edge in Round 6 where they lost by just three points, the last three weeks have been tough for the Lions.

They’ve suffered three-consecutive 10+ goal losses in the last three weeks – and have gone without captain Tom Rockliff (hamstring) and star midfielder Dayne Beams (knee) in that time.

Expect to see lots of youth on display from the Lions on Saturday, with the likes of Josh Schache, Rhys Mathieson and Ben Keays just some of the players who have already debuted for Brisbane this season.

The Lions still have a top end as good as most teams, with the likes of Dayne Zorko, Daniel Rich, Stefan Martin and Pearce Hanley forming the nucleus of a solid on-ball unit.

Brisbane will be trying to bring their best defensive game against the Hawks, who up until last week had kicked some big scores in their matches against Richmond and Fremantle.

Players to watch

Dayne Zorko has been in terrific form this season, averaging 23.5 disposals a game in 2016 as well as kicking 13 goals in his eight games so far this season.

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Pearce Hanley has also been a shining light for the Lions after managing only 11 games last year due to injury.

Hanley is averaging 21.4 disposals per game in season 2016 and has also kicked seven goals, showing his ability to find the footy forward of centre despite predominantly playing in the midfield.