THE BRISBANE Lions' injury woes deepened further on Tuesday, with vice-captain Tom Rockliff (quad) joining Matthew Leuenberger (thumb) on the sidelines.
 
Both suffered their injuries in Saturday night's 13-point loss to Carlton, and will be unavailable for Friday night's clash with Collingwood at the Gabba.

Leuenberger will miss up to six weeks, while Rockliff will miss two.

Leuenberger, 24, managed just three games in 2012, after battling a serious achilles injury.
 
But he has played eight of the club's nine games this season, averaging 12 disposals and 29 hit-outs per game.

With co-captain Jonathan Brown fighting a potential two-match ban at the Tribunal on Tuesday night, the Lions now face the prospect of playing Collingwood without five of their most important players.

Daniel Merrett is suspended for another two weeks after his sling tackle on Essendon's Michael Hurley in round seven, while Daniel Rich is still a month away from returning from his fractured shoulder.

Despite his own career being at the crossroads, Voss was taking a positive stance, saying the club's depth could cover the losses.

Second-year ruckman Billy Longer will replace Leuenberger after playing three of his eight career games earlier this season.

"Billy's still got a bit of work to do but at the same time he'll step up to the challenge for us, no doubt," Voss said.

"We're firmly still focussed on establishing our core group. If anything, we feel like we're investing in that. 

"If Billy comes in and plays, it just means we get more game time into him. We're very confident he can come in and do the job. 

"We just need a very good, competitive, honest effort like he gave through the NAB Cup series and the couple of games he played early in the year."


Voss said the Lions thought Brown's charge was worthwhile challenging, but they were planning on playing the Magpies without him.

Young defender Justin Clarke returns from suspension to stiffen up the defence, while Voss indicated second-gamer Sam Michael could be swung forward if Brown loses his battle.

"Our depth has got to come through and perform for us and I think that's exciting for our group knowing we can throw to some younger guys and they've got to deliver for us on a big stage."
 
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting