The Lions are confident they can overcome the loss of stalwart defender Ryan Lester in Sunday’s battle with the GWS Giants at Engie Stadium.
Two-time premiership winner Lester was ruled out after injuring his calf at training on Thursday.
The 33-year-old veteran has been replaced in Brisbane’s backline by Ty Gallop, who is again available after missing two games due to concussion protocols.
“Ty’s straight back in, and it’s really good to be in that (defensive) group where we’ve got a lot of players who can back us up,” Lions half-back Darcy Wilmot said.
“(It shows) the depth of our squad.”
While Gallop has returned, the Lions are still without Dayne Zorko (soreness), Jarrod Berry (calf), Noah Answerth (concussion protocols) and Linc McCarthy, who is set for an extended spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Despite the lengthy injury list, Wilmot tipped the premiers to bounce back on Sunday after last week’s 41-point loss to Geelong at the Gabba.
“We don’t play to lose. We play to win like every other team,” he said.
“We’re all pumped, especially coming off the week we just had. We’re all very excited and keen to get out there.”
Wilmot expected a tough battle against a “dangerous” Giants forward line that included the likes of Aaron Cadman, Toby Green and Jake Riccardi.
“They’ve got a wide range of blokes who can play in the air, and they can play on the ground. (They have) a lot of versatility, so that makes them dangerous against teams,” he said.
Wilmot said he had been content with his own form this season.
“(I’ve had) a lot of different little roles here and there,” he said.
“It has been a good year so far, and hopefully I can contribute to our team to keep on winning games.”
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