THE BRISBANE Lions will again be without skipper Tom Rockliff for next Saturday night's QClash against Gold Coast at the Gabba, but Justin Leppitsch's side at least looks set to regain Daniel Rich from injury.

Both Rockliff (calf) and Rich (hamstring) were significant outs as the Lions were totally "outmuscled" by Geelong to the tune of 69 points at Simonds Stadium on Sunday evening.

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Star midfielder Dayne Beams is still up to a month away from a return from ongoing knee tendinitis, while tough youngster Rhys Mathieson will still be sidelined for between 4-6 weeks with the broken jaw he sustained at the hands of Jeremy Cameron in the NAB Challenge. 

"I thought on Friday that Rich was playing but he didn't end up getting through training," Leppitsch said after the loss to the Cats.

"I'll have to get a follow up on that. But (it's) doubtful the others will be back."

Leppitsch kept his players behind closed doors for at least half an hour after the match as his side came to terms with being 0-3 and anchored to the bottom of the ladder after three rounds. 

The coach lamented his side's poor turnovers, many of which came because of a directive to play on at all costs, and their inability to hold sway in the middle of the ground. 

Click here for Justin Leppitsch's full post-match press conference

The Lions were smashed in clearances (27-41), uncontested marks (58-94) and inside 50s (35-69), as the Cats' midfielders – led by Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield – had a field day. 

"I thought they outmuscled us and used that advantage they had, particularly through centre bounces and front half turnovers," Leppitsch said. 

"They completely mauled us in those two numbers.

"They were in complete control of that. Their ability to stick a tackle also put us under pressure … we didn't handle that very well. 

Leppitsch refused to single out former Cats Josh Walker and Allen Christensen for criticism, despite both having quiet games. 

Walker's wayward set shot kicking contributed to the Lions' inaccuracy in front of goal (6.11), while Christensen had just one disposal to half-time and nine for the match. 

Christensen departed Simonds Stadium at the end of 2014 in difficult circumstances. Walker, who played 16 games for Geelong in 2015, was traded with Jarrad Jansen for a third-round selection at the NAB AFL Draft.

"You'll have to ask them," Leppitsch replied when asked whether Christensen and Walker were overwhelmed in their returns to Kardinia Park.

"Maybe. I don't know. They were down on effort. It is (disappointing) but they weren't the only ones down on the day."

Leppitsch said he did not see the incident that saw Mitch Robinson reported for engaging in rough conduct on Geelong skipper Joel Selwood.

"He has incidents all the time, Mitch. I didn't see that one," Leppitsch said.