Goal-kicking record holder Daniel Bradshaw is being talked up by Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss - as a defender.

After Bradshaw's stellar role reversal in the Lions' 16-point loss to unbeaten leaders St Kilda last Sunday, Voss admits he faces a "selection dilemma" ahead of Saturday's AFL showdown with the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium.

Voss gambled by plucking Bradshaw from the forward line in the second half and throwing him on Saints dangerman Justin Koschitzke last weekend - with spectacular results.

"I thought Braddy was fantastic the way he adapted to that role," Voss said.

"We know he is a noted goalkicker, but he just went back there and did a job for us, like it was no big drama.

"When he came off (with split webbing) for that fleeting minute they ended up getting that extra goal (that got them on a roll in the fourth term)."

With young forward Lachlan Henderson in spectacular reserves form and still without key defenders Joel Patfull and Daniel Merrett, Voss admits he has ample food for thought before tackling North Melbourne's tall timber.

Bradshaw has again formed a two-pronged attack with skipper Jonathan Brown on the forward line this season, combining for a total of 56 goals from nine games.

Bradshaw is sixth on the Coleman Medal list with 27 majors and just four behind leader Lance Franklin of Hawthorn, recently eclipsing Alastair Lynch's club goal-kicking record.

But Voss is more than tempted to again switch Bradshaw to defence as he ponders a way to stunt Kangaroos big men David Hale and Aaron Edwards.

"It is something we have to talk about with Braddy," Voss said.

"We've got to weigh that up because North Melbourne in particular have a lot of tall forwards.

"It doesn't matter where he plays, he's got that ability to keep his feet - it's a real weapon of his.

"He's one of the strongest blokes in a one on one contest."

While Voss had not made up his mind about Bradshaw, he was certain of one thing.

"We would have let ourselves down big time if we can't replicate that effort," he said.

"It was disappointing on the weekend (to lose to the Saints).

"For us to go down there and not play with the same intensity (against the Kangaroos) would be more disappointing.

"When you put in that intensity (against Saints) and don't get the win there is a lot of emptiness.

"So what we need is the reward.

"Our focus has to switch to North Melbourne and getting a result there with that same level of intensity.

"It's a pretty critical week for us."

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