DAYNE Zorko has starred in a midfield role in a competitive Brisbane Lions practice match on Thursday morning.

A minor leg injury to utility Brent Staker was the only negative from the hit-out.

Staker played just one of the four 20-minute quarters at Burpengary, on Brisbane's north side, before coming off.

He iced a spot high on his calf, just behind the knee, before strapping the area.

The 29-year-old was not too concerned by the niggle and was confident of being available for the Lions' first NAB Challenge match against Hawthorn on February 13.

While Staker and fellow key forwards Jonathan Brown (foot) and Jordan Lisle (tight hamstring) watched from the boundary line, youngsters Michael Close and Jono Freeman put up their hands for a spot against the Hawks.

Close, in his second year, and Freeman, in his first, both took contested marks and kicked goals in promising displays.

Captain Jed Adcock said it was pleasing to see the young key position players perform so well.

"We've got quite a few young talls coming through and they'll be fighting for positions depending where Browny's at in round one," Adcock said.

"We've got some older players, but you expect these younger kids and younger tall forwards to get a game in the NAB [Challenge] and get a chance to shine and show everyone what they've got."

Zorko was dynamic is his largely midfield role, while Pearce Hanley and Ryan Harwood got plenty of the ball at half-back.

Draftee James Aish also showed touches of class with his disposal, while Ash McGrath was clever in the forward line.

The Lions will return to the newly-developed facility at Burpengary to play their final trial match against the Sydney Swans on March 8.

Dayne Zorko gives Koby Stevens the slip during the Lions' clash with the Dogs in 2013. Picture: AFL Media


Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting