BRISBANE will be near full strength for Saturday’s season opener against Hawthorn, with just four players unavailable for selection.

Ash McGrath (calf), Brent Staker (calf), Stefan Martin (back) and youngster Claye Beams (foot) have already been ruled out but recruit Luke McGuane remains a chance to strengthen the Lions’ forward line.

It means the Lions, under new coach Justin Leppitsch will field a much stronger team to the one the Hawks thumped by 131 points in a NAB Challenge game at Etihad Stadium in February.

Missing from that Brisbane side were captain Jed Adcock, gun midfielders Tom Rockliff, Jack Redden, Daniel Rich, Brent Moloney and Pearce Hanley, ruckman Matthew Leuenberger and defenders Daniel Merrett and Joel Patful.

Also missing was triple premiership player and former captain Jonathan Brown.

“The list is in pretty good shape heading into Round 1, with only Staker, Martin, Beams, and McGrath definite non-starters at this stage,” Physical Performance Manager Brett Burton told the club’s website.

“Everyone else is fit and healthy, and looking forward to getting into the season proper.”

Veteran McGrath will be a loss for the Lions, given he was a dangerous goal kicking option last season. He kicked six goals against Geelong in Round 23 and booted bags of three on three occasions, against North Melbourne (Round 17), Geelong (Round 13) and Collingwood (Round 10).

The Lions will likely try out their new ruck combination of Matthew Leuenberger and former Cat, Trent West in the season opener, both of whom are capable of filling a key position up forward.

Hawthorn, meanwhile will be without seven premiership players, including premiership stars Ben Stratton and Brad Sewell due to injury and Brian Lake and Cyril Rioli with suspension. Max Bailey and Brent Guerra have retired, while Lance Franklin is now at the Swans.

The Hawks take on the Lions at Aurora Stadium in Tasmania on Saturday.