BRODIE Grundy is a certain starter for Sunday's game against Brisbane at the Gabba, but coach Nathan Buckley concedes the shin soreness the ruckman has been contending with will be monitored closely to avoid any further complications.

Grundy had a scan on his shin after it flared up during last Sunday's game against Richmond and the initial concern was that he may have had a bone stress injury in his leg.

The scan cleared him of serious injury and Buckley said it would be something the club would continue to manage.

"He's been cleared of any bone stress or anything like that so it becomes a soft tissue/soreness issue," Buckley said on Thursday.

"'Brodes' probably thought it was a little bit more than that, but we'll continue to manage him. He's an important part of our best footy and has been a more than solid contributor for us for the first six weeks.

"That was a good result from the scan for us."

Grundy is averaging 22.7 disposals and 35 hit-outs per game from six matches this season and would be the leading contender for All Australian ruck selection at this point.

Buckley was not giving anything away when it came to selection for the game against the Lions, although Darcy Moore and Taylor Adams are right to play after overcoming hamstring injuries.

Travis Varcoe and Ben Crocker, who were managed for the clash with the Tigers, are also available to return.

"We've got some decisions to make. We're aware that we've had a couple of games in a couple of days," Buckley said.

"We're going to have to have some players come in and out, so that's an important part for us knowing that we get a week between the Richmond and Brisbane game, so we've looked after the boys a little bit.

"We'll make a call on the 22 we take up, with a couple of travellers this afternoon."

The Magpies have beaten the Lions in six of the last seven meetings between the sides, including the past four clashes at the Gabba. 

"My kids were actually asking me, 'Do we go well against Brisbane?' When I was a player, Brisbane were really hard to beat and at the top of the table," Buckley said.

"But I would've thought the competition is far more even than it's ever been and there are no easy games. We enjoy travelling as a unit and our major focus this week will be on us playing our best footy.

"Regardless of the opponent you're facing you really are looking to attend your part of the equation first."

Buckley could not guarantee Chris Mayne would remain in the side after playing his first game of the season against Richmond last week.

"I thought Mayney was OK. I thought he came in and showed some good signs early and he's in the mix," Buckley said.