RESTING Luke Hodge for Saturday's trip to play Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium was a plan hatched during the pre-season, says Brisbane coach Chris Fagan.

Hodge is one of two changes to the Lions team that lost by five points to Gold Coast last Sunday, with Ryan Bastinac (omitted) also making way for the returning Daniel Rich and debutant Oscar McInerney.

After playing the opening five rounds, it's time for 33-year-old Hodge to have a rest, says Fagan.

"I talked to him at the start of the season about which would be the first week he'd have a rest," Fagan said.

"We targeted this round, so we've executed the plan."

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Fagan said the four-time premiership player would likely miss a game "every five to six weeks", but would be flexible as the season progressed.

Rich comes straight back into the senior team after damaging ligaments in his ankle in round one against St Kilda.

The Lions veteran said it would be a good chance against the Giants for the young backline to implement what Hodge had taught them.

"He's definitely taught us a lot in the small amount of time he's been here," Rich said.

"It just gives us a chance to practice what he's taught us.

"We'd definitely rather be playing with him, but he's not going to be out there forever, so it's a good opportunity as a back unit to put into action what we've learnt off him so far."

McInerney's inclusion comes on the back of being named the club's NEAFL player of the year in 2017 and a strong start to 2018.

The 23-year-old stands 204cm and will play as a backup to number one ruckman Stefan Martin.

"He's as dedicated a young man as I've seen," Fagan said.

"He's quite a handy forward as well as a ruckman.

"We just felt like we wanted to look at our team with an extra tall up forward to give Eric (Hipwood) and Dan McStay a bit of a hand and to give him an opportunity to play AFL footy.

"We're in the business of development as well, and you need the game at the highest level to give you feedback.

"He's a great story of persistence. Fingers crossed he plays well tomorrow."