Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews has sent young AFL forward Daniel Merrett back to the reserves following a disappointing display against Essendon last weekend.

Merrett failed to score against the Bombers and finished with just six possessions, only two weeks after drawing comparisons with former Lions great Alastair Lynch.

Matthews' decision to omit Merrett and promote Michael Rischitelli was the only change for the Lions ahead of Saturday night's clash with the Western Bulldogs.

Brisbane can further entrench themselves in the top-eight with a win over the Bulldogs, who shocked the three-time premiers at the Gabba earlier this season.

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