Fit-again pair Jack Payne and Bruce Reville are in the mix for returns as the Brisbane Lions brace for a fully-stocked Carlton in their AFL elimination final.

The pre-finals bye has allowed both teams to freshen up, with key defender Payne (foot) and damaging kick Reville (leg) both playing in the Lions’ VFL contest on Saturday to push their case for inclusion after injury.

The Blues also have plenty of decisions to make ahead of Saturday’s clash.

Veteran Sam Docherty (knee), defenders Mitch McGovern, Zac Williams (hamstrings), ruckman Tom de Koning (foot), on-baller Adam Cerra (hamstring) and key forwards Charlie Curnow (ankle) and Harry McKay (thigh) are all a chance of playing.

Payne’s return, to mark either of Curnow or McKay, would be timely and the Lions have welcomed the prospect of a full-strength Blues at the Gabba for their knockout clash.

“That’s the thing, in finals you want to be playing against the best teams,” Lions forward Callum Ah Chee said.

“Payney’s coming back and Brucey’s up for selection for us.

“We’re ready for anyone and want to beat the best teams so we’re looking forward to it.”

Brisbane lost last year’s grand final by four points and recovered from a horrid start this season to finish fifth as they chase the club’s first flag since 2003.

Western Bulldogs, in 2016, are the only team to have won from outside the top four in the current finals system.

“The boys are really confident,” Ah Chee said.

“It’s been a weird year (of results) but we’ve played some really good footy.

“If you look at this year and the way it’s gone, anyone can win it.

“The belief is huge with us; we’ve been there before and want to get there again.

“We feel our best can beat any team in the comp.”