REBORN footballer Mitch Robinson continues to enhance his reputation, with the one-time bad boy handed the Brisbane Lions' captaincy for Sunday's NAB Challenge clash against Gold Coast.

Robinson has turned his career around since he was delisted by Carlton at the end of 2014.

The Lions have harnessed his aggression and the 26-year-old has become a leader of an inexperienced midfield group.

Now Robinson will lead a young squad – 10 players could pull on the guernsey for the first time against the Suns – at Burpengary in skipper Tom Rockliff's absence.

Exciting key forward Josh Schache is in line for his first match after wowing onlookers in intraclub hit-outs with his strong-marking and dead-eye set shot.

The No.2 draft pick could also be joined by 2015 recruits Ben Keays, Eric Hipwood, Reuben William and Rhys Mathieson

Rockliff, Pearce Hanley, Dayne Zorko, Daniel Rich and North Melbourne recruit Ryan Bastinac are among those rested who should play in the Lions' second pre-season match against St Kilda in Mackay.