The Brisbane Lions have been dealt a huge blow in the lead-up to tonight's season opener against Fremantle at the Gabba with Luke Power a late scratching from the side.

Power was forced to withdraw with a back injury prior to tonight's match and has been replaced by Claye Beams who will now make his senior AFL debut against the Dockers after originally being named as an emergency.

Former rookie Beams was officially elevated to the Lions' senior list at the end of 2010 and has played in every pre-season practice match in 2011.