Jordan Lisle's chance to cement his goal at Brisbane Lions

THE stage is set for the Brisbane Lions to learn whether Jordan Lisle has what it takes to become the club's next genuine power forward.

THE stage is set for the Brisbane Lions to learn whether Jordan Lisle has what it takes to become the club's next genuine power forward, by unleashing him against Richmond at the Gabba this Saturday night.

The Hawthorn recruit has built an irresistible case with a swag of goals for the Lions reserves, and coach Michael Voss may not see a juicier opportunity this year to hand him an AFL debut.

Brisbane's stock of talls will be further stretched if fullback Matt Maguire fails to overcome an ankle injury, which may see vice-captain Daniel Merrett back in defence - and a gap in turn opening in attack.

Lisle has kicked 43 goals for the season - 35 of those in the past nine matches.

"Sometimes it's about winning your position and we've had Rog (Merrett) doing a good job for us," the coach said.

"With Goose (Maguire) going down you have to contemplate what your forward line structure might be."

A day before the Lions' humiliating defeat against West Coast last Sunday, he scored six in the reserves' 43-point win over Mt Gravatt.

The 22-year-old, traded to the Lions last year after just five games in three seasons with the Hawks, is contracted at the Gabba until the end of 2014.

"Over the first 12 months, it's hard to get a great gauge about a player," Voss said.

"(But) if he plays, he's coming in good form, so the expectation is he would play a forward role."

Voss has promised changes in the wake of Sunday's 98-point loss in Perth.

Daniel Rich has served his two-match suspension, while Josh Drummond is a chance to return to the backline after missing the loss to the Eagles.

Jared Polec is out of the equation for at least four weeks after tearing his adductor muscle in the reserves.

Patrick Karnezis impressed with 44 touches and three goals in the reserves and could also push for a recall.

The Lions' challenge will be balancing calls for change with rewarding the most deserving understudies.

"Otherwise we're tolerating mediocrity," Voss said. "That's not how we demonstrate we're improving as a football club.

"There's an expectation no matter what your age profile is, you need to deliver something when it comes to performances.

"To tail off (now) would be extremely disappointing."