Seasoned veterans Jonathan Brown, Simon Black and Luke Power, for instance, will likely play just one - possibly two - practice matches to fine-tune themselves in time for the start of the season proper.
But for the younger players in the Lions’ side, it provides a chance to impress the selection committee enough to demand senior selection in Round 1.
And these young Lions need look no further than Todd Banfield for inspiration.
By Senior Coach Michael Voss’ own admission, Banfield was probably not among the Club’s predicted best 22 at the beginning of 2010.
But after starring during the Lions’ pre-season last year, there was little doubt that he belonged there.
Banfield’s form warranted selection in the season opener against West Coast - his first ever AFL match - and he went on to become one of only six Lions players to feature in all 22 matches throughout the season. Along the way he booted 27 goals, earned a Rising Star nominated and achieved a top ten Club Champion finish.
He now approaches his second season well entrenched in the Lions’ side.
The same could be said for Tom Rockliff. A pre-season standout, he was left out of the team for the opening two matches but responded by playing 19 senior matches and finishing third in the AFL Rising Star competition.
It is further proof that pre-season games can be critical in shaping a young AFL player’s career.
And with a host of senior positions up for grabs in 2011, there exists an opportunity for a number of young Lions to put their hand up and secure their spot.
In the team’s NAB Cup opener against Essendon last Friday night, eight players tasted senior AFL football for the first time - Jared Polec, Patrick Karnezis, Ryan Lester, Bryce Retzlaff, Mitch Golby, Josh Green, Rohan Bewick and Broc McCauley.
In addition, there were the likes of Claye Beams, Jesse O’Brien, Aaron Cornelius and Ryan Harwood who have so far had limited senior opportunities in the early stages of their careers.
So who will be the bolters of 2011 whose pre-season performances earn them a place against the Dockers at the Gabba on Saturday 26 March?
Only time will tell. But with just three practice games remaining, you can be sure to see a bunch of committed youngsters staking their claim.
