Brisbane AFL star Lachie Neale says the Lions have refused to get down on themselves for a costly second-half lapse against Richmond at the MCG.

Brisbane star Lachie Neale says the Lions have taken confidence out of last week's trip to the MCG despite a crushing second-half fadeout.

The Lions blew a golden opportunity to break an eight-year drought at the home of the AFL grand final when they led Richmond by 42 points.

But the Lions were overrun by the Tigers in a defeat that could prove costly to their top-four aspirations.

Brisbane will aim to bounce back on Sunday when they host an equally desperate Carlton team at the Gabba.

Instead of the loss being demoralising, Neale said the Lions had focused on what went right by kicking 11 goals before halftime.

"We gave it a red-hot crack, some of the footy we played in the first half was the best we've played all year," Neale told reporters on Saturday.

"We're building and can take a lot of confidence out of that

"I reckon if you watched the first half our attitude and intensity was the best it's been all season."

The Lions need to win their last three regular games to be assured of a double chance in finals for the fourth straight season.

Star defenders Brandon Starcevich and Daniel Rich return from injuries after being badly missed in the loss against the Tigers.

On the other hand, Carlton need to win at least one of their last three matches to lock in their first finals series since 2013.

After the clash with the Lions, the Blues will meet top-four teams Melbourne and Collingwood in a difficult end to the season.

Blues ruckman Marc Pittonet has been rested for the trip to Queensland, with key defender Caleb Marchbank returning after his latest knee setback.

Paddy Dow, Jack Martin and Jack Newnes are also back.

It will be Michael Voss' first trip to the Gabba as Carlton coach to face the Lions, the club he captained to three premierships and coached for five seasons.

Dashing defender Adam Saad will line up for his 150th career game on the weekend, after playing 61 for Essendon and 48 for Gold Coast.