R15 Teams: Brisbane's Alex Witherden and Collingwood's Darcy Cameron have both been omitted. Pictures: AFL Photos

BRISBANE has again dropped gun young defender Alex Witherden, while Collingwood has left out tall forward Darcy Cameron ahead of a blockbuster encounter at the Gabba on Friday night.

Witherden struggled to regain his place in the Lions' side after the season's restart, missing seven straight games upon its resumption, and has again been squeezed out of the team in place of the experienced Daniel Rich.

Despite averaging 20.4 disposals and 6.4 marks per game throughout his five matches back in the senior team, Witherden is among two changes for Brisbane with the suspended Lincoln McCarthy also absent.

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Rich returns, while versatile forward Keidean Coleman will make his first AFL appearance after the Lions matched a bid for their Academy prospect at pick No.37 in last year's NAB AFL Draft to secure his services.

Cameron has been dropped for Collingwood after three successive goalless performances, with the versatile Chris Mayne also sidelined after suffering a nasty fractured cheekbone last week.

Young 200cm ruckman Max Lynch has been named for his AFL debut, while experienced midfielder Levi Greenwood also returns to the team among two changes for the Pies.

01:33

Friday, September 4

Brisbane v Collingwood, Gabba, 7.50pm AEST

BRISBANE
In: D.Rich, K.Coleman
Out: L.McCarthy (suspension), A.Witherden (omitted)
New: Keidean Coleman

COLLINGWOOD
In: M.Lynch, L.Greenwood
Out: C.Mayne (cheekbone), D.Cameron (omitted)
New: Max Lynch