TOM ROCKLIFF has withdrawn from the Brisbane Lions team to face Geelong due to illness.

 

The vice-captain has been battling a virus all Saturday but the Lions hoped his condition would improve in time for the game.

 

However the 24-year-old continued to go downhill after arriving at the ground and the decision was made to take him out of the team after the team sheets were lodged.

 

Rockliff joins Dayne Zorko on the sidelines. Zorko was also a late withdrawal from the selected side due to family reasons.  

 

Ryan Lester and Mitch Golby are the late inclusions into the team with the latter to start as the substitute. 

 

Rockliff is a big loss for the Lions. He has played 18 games this season and averaged 32 disposals per game.

 

Zorko has also been in good form and the Lions will miss his pace around the stoppages. 

Geelong made no changes to its selected side with Billie Smedts to start in the green vest.