The Lions played Hawthorn with a depleted team on February 13 and were thrashed, but then rebounded to beat an understrength Gold Coast 10 days later.

 

Hanley said a "tough, contested" game against a near full-strength Swans was the ideal tune-up before taking on Hawthorn in round one on March 22.

 

"It'll be our first proper game," Hanley said ahead of the match at Burpengary in Brisbane's north.

 

"This is prep for round one and we're taking it very serious. It's what we need."

 

The Lions have named an almost full strength squad of 27, including former captain Jonathan Brown, who is expected to play a half.

 

Hanley said it was the first chance the Lions had to trial new coach Justin Leppitsch's game-plan against an opponent at full strength.

 

"They're one of the best stoppage teams, one of the best tackling teams," he said.

 

"Burpengary is a tighter ground so there should be a lot of stoppages. Exactly what we need for round one."

 

The match will also give the Lions another chance to give Hanley and star midfielder Daniel Rich more time in the back half.

 

Captain Jed Adcock said they would still be required through the midfield this season but told AFL.com.au their elite kicking skills would prove an asset in defence.

 

"I think you'll find he (Rich) still spends a fair bit of time in the midfield, he might spend a little bit more time at half-back along with probably Pearce Hanley," Adcock said.

 

"We can't take away the midfield penetration they get, but we also need some poise in the backline and some good kickers in the backline to set us up.

 

"The backline actually sets up your offence so we've got to make sure we get some good kickers back there, but not take away too much from the midfield."

 

Adcock said the playing group had quickly adapted to life under Leppitsch.