BRISBANE co-captains Jonathan Brown and Simon Black will make their first appearances in 2008 when the Lions meet AFL premiers Geelong on the Gold Coast on Friday night in a NAB Challenge match.
The Lions have included Coleman Medallist Brown and slick midfielder Black in a provisional 29-man squad for the clash at Carrara.
Coach Leigh Matthews kept the pair in cotton wool for Brisbane's opening two NAB Cup and Challenge trials but is keen to get some miles in their legs before the March 22 premiership opener against West Coast.
With ruckman Jamie Charman playing last week, Matthews has rested teenager Matthew Leuenberger and has also cut rookies James Polkinghorne, Bradd Dalziell and Matt Austin.
Fellow co-captain Luke Power is also set to return after being rested against the Kangaroos while Michael Rischitelli and Joel MacDonald are in line to play their first games.
Geelong's lineup is more notable for who they are leaving behind, with Gary Ablett, Cameron Mooney and Cameron Ling among the premiership stars staying in Victoria, but the Cats will still field a classy side, including Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel and tough nut Paul Chapman.
St Kilda spearhead Nick Riewoldt will also make his first appearance of the season this weekend, against Essendon in the NAB Cup semi-final on Friday night at Telstra Dome.
Having allowed knee tendonitis in his knee to settle by not engaging in any long kicking at training, the 25-year-old is joined by Lenny Hayes and Luke Ball in the squad.
The Saints have also brought in ruckman Michael Gardiner after he missed last week due to soreness.
The Bombers have not named veterans Matthew Lloyd (hamstring) and Dustin Fletcher (knee) and will also rest Ricky Dyson, Leroy Jetta and Bachar Houli after they all played the first three pre-season encounters.
Coach Matthew Knights said, win or lose on Friday, Essendon will play it's strongest side next week.
Meanwhile, Adelaide coach Neil Craig has flagged Brett Burton's return from injury for Saturday's NAB Cup semi-final against Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium.
