Brisbane midfielder Aaron Shattock has returned to the Lions side for the AFL preliminary final against Sydney on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old was the only change to the team and replaces veteran Marcus Ashcroft, who wrenched his knee last week against Adelaide.

Vice captain Chris Scott will need another week to recover from a groin injury and Tim Notting, who served a one match suspension last week, was named as an emergency.

Young utility Richard Hadley retained his place in the side after a solid effort in the midfield and defence in only his second AFL match last week.

Shattock, who hardly got on the field in last year's grand final against Collingwood, has had his best year for the Lions.

He missed the last two matches with slight knee cartilage damage suffered in the final minor round game of the season.

The loss of Ashcroft, whose injury had stopped an 87 consecutive game playing streak, will leave a gap on the halfback line for the Lions.

Coach Leigh Matthews is likely to start Luke Power off the halfback line - a role he played superbly against Adelaide last week at the Gabba.

Sydney named two changes to its side with Ryan O'Keefe and defender Jason Saddington returning from injury and Brad Seymour (knee) and Scott Stevens omitted.

Rugged forward Jonathan Brown said the Lions were feeling fresh and motivated following an eight-day break, despite their recent run of injuries.

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