A number of strong VFL performers coupled with players pushing to come back from injury means there are plenty of Kangaroos putting their hands up for selection this week.

There's no doubting the Lions will be a tough test for the young Kangaroos on Saturday, but David Noble has plenty of players at his disposal to give the group the best chance of emerging with a victory.

After suffering concussion against Hawthorn, key defender Ben McKay missed the Round 2 victory over the Eagles. 

He will have moved through the AFL's 12-day concussion protocols by the time Saturday's game rolls around and he should be ready to take his place at the heart of the Kangaroos' defence.

Josh Walker stepped up ably in McKay's absence last week, but the return of 'Buckets' could prove pivotal in stopping Brisbane's key forward forward duo of Joe Daniher and Daniel McStay.

Eddie Ford is banging the door down for his first senior appearance of the season, with the young forward putting in a best-on-ground performance against Williamstown as he collected a bag of five goals.

Ford also had 19 disposals and took 10 marks for the game. His ability to not just finish off the Kangaroos' attacking movement, but also get involved higher up the ground and keep the team's defensive structure saw him put in an exceptional all-around display.

The absence of Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tarryn Thomas this week means David Noble could look for some midfield reinforcement, and one man capable of providing it is Jaidyn Stephenson.

Stephenson was omitted from the Round 2 side after a quiet performance against the Hawks, but found plenty of the football against Williamstown in the VFL and finished the clash with 24 disposals and two clearances.

Paul Curtis continued his fine form at VFL level, kicking two first-half goals against Williamstown while the game was still in the balance.

The first-year player's influence faded slightly in the second half, but the X-factor he possesses could see him be a difference-maker should he be selected for a debut against the Lions.

North Melbourne's ruck stocks have been a conversation piece for the last few months, and Callum Coleman-Jones' performance at VFL level will see that continue. The former Tiger was a dominant force in the middle of the ground at VFL level.

Taking on former Giant Tom Downie in the ruck, Coleman-Jones was amongst the game's best ball users, and finished with 25 disposals, 17 hitouts, six clearances and a goal while he also spent some time in the forward line.

Kyron Hayden could return to the senior fold this week, with the defender selected in the side to take on the Eagles but unfortunately missing out due to illness. Hayden is yet to make a senior appearance his season but his athleticism could be a welcome addition to the Kangaroos' defence.

Josh Goater put in a strong performance in defence against Williamstown, with the first-year player showing impressive application in the contested side of the game, while his ball-use out of the back-line was efficient and high-quality.

Charlie Comben kicked two well-taken goals against Williamstown and provided a strong target in the forward line, while Flynn Perez kicked a pair of his own. However it could be too early for Perez to push for senior selection after his recent knee injury.