The regular team meeting ran overtime as coach Mark Thompson went through the plot to bring down reigning premier Brisbane on Saturday.

Such a feat doesn't come easily; most teams have tried and failed badly over the past two years.

The Cats will enter the round 21 clash with a few tricks up their sleeves which Thompson hopes will tip the scales in his favour and provide that one more win needed to secure a finals berth.

``We had a bit more of a look at Brisbane tonight than we normally would,'' he said before training. ``We're going to try a few things and we'll see what happens.''

Making bold predictions about chopping down the competition powerhouse has proven folly for many coaches over the past two years.

The Lions have survived most verbal and physical challenges thrown at them, but of course that won't stop clubs rising to the occasion every now and again.

The Cats are hoping that Saturday might be one of the Lions' off days.

``They are a great side but we will just try a few little tactics and see how we go,'' Thompson said.

``We have watched a lot of teams who've played against Brisbane and we have a few subtle things we will bring into the game.''

Brisbane will bring in the none-too-subtle figure of full forward Alistair Lynch, who returns after a two-game suspension.

The Cats are likely to be without half-forward Aaron Lord, who missed training with a groin strain, but will regain Ronnie Burns, a late withdrawal last week with a pinched nerve in his shoulder. Burns trained last night and was confirmed a starter by Thompson.

Skipper Ben Graham, Peter Riccardi, Steven King and Glenn Kilpatrick were given the chance to freshen up after last week's road trip by training indoors.

So did Brenton Sanderson, who is only 50-50 to resume from an ankle injury this weekend.

The Cats enter the game in need of one more win to secure a finals berth, but Thompson was not labouring the point last night.

``I just want us to play good footy and that is all I have said all along'' he said. ``Everyone is talking about finals but I just want to play good footy and win.''