While "time will tell" how the latest Brendan Fevola controversy affects his side, Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has hinted it may help his star forward's game.

Ahead of Saturday night's crunch AFL game against the Western Bulldogs, Fevola has admitted he is undergoing counselling for a long-term gambling addiction amid reports his debts could top $200,000.

Voss on Friday applauded the Coleman Medallist's courage to admit his addiction - then claimed a relieved Fevola was now ready to let his "footy do the talking".

"He's not out of the woods and he's not pretending that he is but I think he is somewhat relieved that he can now go forward ... and he can get on with what he needs to do," Voss said.

"It hasn't detracted from what he wants to do here and he didn't want it to have an impact on the players."

Voss initially denied that the latest headline would disrupt the Lions' plans to make a statement against the heavyweight Bulldogs but then admitted: "Look, I don't think so but time will tell."

Voss said he expected a focused Fevola to run out at the Gabba on Saturday night but the star player's admission would seem to be the last thing the unbeaten Lions needed on the eve of their big game at the Gabba.

Especially with inspirational midfielder Simon Black (calf) rated "pretty doubtful" due to an ongoing calf problem.

The Lions are aiming to win the first four games of the season for the first time since 2002 - a premiership year for the AFL club.

The Lions may be one of only three teams unbeaten after three rounds but Voss believes he won't get a true read on his side's progress until they meet the Bulldogs.

Voss was eager to know if his side had learned from the "lessons" received in their last clash with the Bulldogs - a 51-point semi-final thrashing at the MCG.

"To get where we want to go we have to beat these teams - that's the harsh reality," Voss said.

Western Bulldogs forward Jason Akermanis will miss a showdown with his old club because of a hamstring injury, while tagger Liam Picken is out with an ankle problem.

Skipper Brad Johnson is listed as an emergency after recovering from a virus and an Achilles tendon problem.

But the Dogs will unleash their forward spearhead Barry Hall, who comes face to face with the man he laid an infamous knockout punch on two years ago - new Lion Brent Staker.

Hall has rebounded from a patchy start at his new club to hit form, booting six goals against Hawthorn last weekend.

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