But the most inspiration for the Gabba showdown has been provided by the man who handed Zorko the reins this week - Dayne Beams.

Zorko will run out as captain in the Gabba showdown following Beams' decision to stand down from the leadership group indefinitely on Wednesday after battling with his father's death earlier this year.

Zorko - an All-Australian last year - was quick to turn to former premiership-winning Hawthorn skipper Hodge.

Zorko enjoyed stints as a stand-in skipper last year for Brisbane but believed a new and improved version would emerge on Saturday after chewing Hodge's ear.

The midfielder said Hodge's main lesson was to listen to teammates and make on-field decisions from there.

"I feel like I've certainly changed the way I look at things," Zorko said.

"I've been able to listen a lot more which I think is a really good leadership quality.

"I feel a lot more confident and equipped with where my game's at and my leadership abilities

"(But) I don't think much changes too much on the field, just play as hard as I always do."

However, Beams' "selfless" act this week has been the biggest influence on Brisbane as they look to back up their drought-breaking last round win over the Hawks.

"He was always of the understanding that if at some point in time it was going to help his recovery from the events of the last three or four months, he only had to come and say the word," Lions coach Chris Fagan said of Beams.

"I can't wait for the day when he walks into my office and says 'I think I'm ready to go again, coach (as captain)'."

Fagan tipped a smooth transition into the captaincy for Zorko.

"He's got plenty of experience working with leadership groups, and to be honest he's shouldered a bit of the responsibility in the first half of the year as 'Beamsy' has tried to recover from the event of the summer," he said.

"He's ready to step up."

Brisbane broke through for their first win of 2018 last round, snapping an eight-game losing run with a 56-point thrashing of Hawthorn.

They are aiming to down fifth-placed Sydney for the first time since 2009.

Brisbane are unchanged but a freak injury has ensured Callum Mills will miss the rest of the season for the Swans, who have won three of their last four.

Mills was throwing an American football with teammates on the way back from a cafe on Thursday when he tripped and fell, breaking his foot.

Australian Associated Press