Ruckman Mitch Clark and defender Ash McGrath return to the side after serving one week suspensions together with Vice-Captain and triple Club Champion Simon Black who will be welcomed back into the Lions midfield after overcoming calf tightness.
However, the Lions have been dealt another injury blow with Vice-Captain Luke Power sidelined with a minor hip injury. Meanwhile, Albert Proud and Troy Selwood were the unlucky pair to be omitted from last week’s impressive win against the Bulldogs at the Gabba.
Clark’s inclusion means that he will line up for his 50th AFL match this Saturday night at the MCG. The 22 year-old was recruited to the Lions from East Fremantle with Pick No.9 in the 2005 AFL National Draft.
He played a total of just 22 matches in his first three seasons at the Club after battling various injuries before breaking through to play every match last season - including two AFL Finals.
Clark finished third in the Lions' 2009 Club Champion award behind Jonathan Brown and Simon Black and only narrowly missed out on All-Australian selection after making the preliminary squad last season.
The match will also be the Lions’ only scheduled game at the MCG for the 2010 AFL home-and-away season.
The full Lions Round 5 team includes:
B: Ashley McGrath (9), Daniel Merrett (21), Joel Patfull (24)
HB: Travis Johnstone (4), Matt Maguire (36), Josh Drummond (39)
C: Jared Brennan (17), Daniel Rich (10), Andrew Raines (29)
HF: Justin Sherman (11), Jonathan Brown (16), Jack Redden (30)
F: Todd Banfield (18), Brendan Fevola (5), Brent Staker (14)
Foll: Matthew Leuenberger (23), Michael Rischitelli (35), James Polkinghorne (31)
Int: Mitch Clark (1), Simon Black (20), Tom Rockliff (38), James Hawksley (12)
Emerg: Albert Proud (2), Troy Selwood (28), Matt Austin (8)
IN: Mitch Clark, Simon Black, Ashley McGrath
OUT: Luke Power (hip), Albert Proud (omit), Troy Selwood (omit)
MILESTONES: Mitch Clark - 50 games
