Callum Ah Chee’s axing proof the Brisbane Lions are among the ‘good footy teams’.

If Brisbane players needed any further warning never to assume selection, it has come with the omission of Callum Ah Chee from the 22 to meet Fremantle.

Callum Ah Chee (left) has been axed from Brisbane’s top 22. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The axing of consistent performer Callum Ah Chee from Brisbane’s top 22 for Sunday’s clash against Fremantle is a timely reminder for Lions players that they can’t take their spots for granted.

The versatile Ah Chee has played in 50 of the 54 AFL matches the Lions have contested since he joined the club from the Gold Coast Suns ahead of the 2020 season.

Two of the games he missed were in last season’s finals series due to injury.

Ah Chee has played in all of Brisbane’s 11 matches this season, but will on Sunday make way for the return of fit-again Hugh McCluggage after Lions coach Chris Fagan rewarded Deven Robertson – McCluggage’s replacement in Brisbane’s win over the GWS Giants last weekend – with another top-flight appearance.

“It’s difficult because a midfielder (has) to go out for a midfielder to go in for the balance of our team,” Fagan said.

“(Robertson) took hold of it. His contested work was great, he ran hard, he hit the scoreboard, so it’s hard to leave him out this week.”

Deven Robertson (right) has kept his spot in Brisbane’s team. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Ah Chee joins this season’s other notable omissions – Mitch Robinson, Nakia Cockatoo and Ryan Lester – as Brisbane’s form and squad depth leaves no room for sentiment at the selection table.

Provided injury doesn’t strike on Sunday at Optus Stadium, the Lions will have another selection dilemma as to who to leave out of the 22 to make room for star forward Joe Daniher, who is set to return from a dislocated shoulder for next Saturday’s home clash against St Kilda.

Lions stalwart Daniel Rich said such selection headaches were common in “all good footy teams”.

“There are guys at all clubs in the same boat,” Rich said.

“You’ve got to have that to be a successful side – we know that.

“Our VFL side’s performing really well, and it’s putting pressure on the guys in the AFL team to get the job done, week in, week out.”

The Lions’ AFL side has responded to the ongoing pressure by winning nine of its 11 matches.

“You have to bring your ‘A’ game every single week, no matter who you play against, or you’re going to get shown up because there’s a lot of good players in each team,” Rich said.

“We’re excited about the challenge against Fremantle. They’re a really good team who’s playing some great footy this season.

“We’ve set ourselves up in a pretty good position, but we’ve got to keep going to be where we want to be, come the end of the season.

“It’s an exciting time and I think we can do some good things.”