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AAP
AAP
Sport
Anna Harrington

Lions ready for latest high-stakes Magpies showdown

Levi Ashcroft will play his 50th straight game for Brisbane when they face Collingwood at the MCG. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

In 49 consecutive AFL games, Levi Ashcroft has already experienced four finals and a premiership.

So it only seems appropriate that the 19-year-old's 50th appearance at the top level is a high-stakes encounter for the Brisbane Lions.

The Lions must beat Collingwood on Friday night at the MCG to seal a top-four berth.

Lions
Third-placed Brisbane are coming off a 42-point derby win over Gold Coast. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

And it's a stage Ashcroft - who played in a preliminary final win over Collingwood last year - is ready for.

"I'm pumped. We love these type of games. We love playing at the 'G," said Ashcroft.

"We feel like the big ground suits us. Really looking forward to playing Collingwood.

"Anyone who doesn't want to play in big games is silly. I love playing against Collingwood, I feel like there's no bigger game at the 'G..

"We want to win, and I think it's really important that we do win ... So hopefully we can put our best performance together and make that top four."

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After two straight grand final triumphs, the Lions feel at home at the MCG. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

The Magpies opted not to rest any of their big guns despite being locked into a wildcard game at the MCG next week.

With a top-four berth within reach, two-time reigning premiers Brisbane aren't thinking about that anyway.

"I'm just really grateful that we're in this position. We worked really hard to get here," ruckman Sam Draper said.

"We started probably a bit shakier earlier in the year, and we've had some really good form in the second half of the year.

"So really excited about that. But can't look too far ahead."

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Sam Draper says the Lions have worked hard for their shot at the top four. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Ashcroft, the younger brother of superstar Will Ashcroft and son of triple-premiership Lion Marcus Ashcroft, is one of several young guns that have Brisbane daring to dream of a long-standing dynasty.

"It's a really exciting time for our team," Ashcroft said.

"Hopefully we can continue to stay up top of the ladder."

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Veteran Steele Sidebottom will make his return for the Magpies. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Ashcroft, still just 19, hopes as he develops, more inside midfield time will come.

And the young gun, who is continuing to develop his craft, has simple goals going forward.

"I'd like to continue to play consistently. Like obviously, play 50 in a row, so 100 in a row would be nice."

The Lions recalled versatile tall Ty Gallop straight off his return from suspension, dropping Daniel Annable.

Collingwood regain Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe but Isaac Quaynor (glute) and Noah Howes (omitted) miss out.

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