Fagan can only laugh as agile Lions patch up defence

Brisbane's agility will be tested again when a makeshift backline attempts to stop Collingwood winning a third straight Easter Thursday Gabba clash.

The two-time defending champions notched a vital win over St Kilda last week, easing some pressure after back-to-back losses to begin the AFL season.

But the loss of defenders Noah Answerth (concussion) and Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) added further stress to a defensive unit already without suspended captain Harris Andrews.

Coach Chris Fagan deployed forward Ty Gallop in the backline last week in the latest example of the side's ingenuity that has helped them to back-to-back flags.

He indicated Gallop would play a similar role this week, with Keidean Coleman also set to drop into the back six after playing mostly as a forward against the Saints.

"It seems to be backline-centric, all of our injuries," Fagan chuckled on Wednesday.

"We have to be innovative and play together well as a team.

"But our midfield's still strong, forward line's still strong. We're still putting a good team out on the field and are very optimistic of our chances."

The Magpies spanked Brisbane by 52 points in last season's corresponding fixture, and were also successful at the Gabba in 2024, when they defeated the hosts by 20 points.

The Magpies pipped the Lions in the 2023 grand final, but the Lions have won their past two MCG clashes, including last year's preliminary final.

"It might get a mention," Fagan said of last year's Easter humbling.

"There's a strong rivalry building.

"When you play a team in a grand final … that starts a rivalry. It was there to some degree before that, but it's even stronger these days, so it'll be on tomorrow night."

Fagan confirmed All-Australian midfielder Hugh McCluggage would also miss the game as he recovers from a calf injury and chuckled again when asked if Magpies star Nick Daicos would receive a tag.

"I won my bet ... every time we play Collingwood someone asks that question, can't work out why," he smiled.

"We've talked a bit about him this week. There's plans, I'm not sure which ones we'll go with just yet.

"We also think we've got a pretty good midfield."