It may not be the first expression that comes to outsiders' minds when asked to describe one of the AFL's most exuberant characters.

But Cam Rayner expects "level-headed" teammate Sam Draper to be just that when the Brisbane Lions take on Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

It will be Draper's first meeting with the Bombers since defecting to the reigning back-to-back premiers as an unrestricted free agent in the off-season.

"He's very similar to Joey (Daniher), very level-headed," Rayner said.

"It doesn't look like that from the outside, and a lot of boys have said that.

"But he's really witty and really invested in the team and looking to learn and get better.

"He's going to be pretty excited playing against his old mob this week and hopefully he gets a nice reception from all the old Essendon fans."

Draper has quickly embedded himself at Brisbane under flag-winning mentor Chris Fagan, helping his new side navigate a series of injury setbacks in a positive 4-3 start.

"He is a big character off the field as well, but the thing that's stuck out for me the most is he's so invested in everyone else and wants to make them get better," Rayner said.

"The ability for him to come in and buy into our midfield group and the way that he can help in the forward line or work with Forty (Darcy Fort) and the relationship they've got ... it's been really impressive.

"As someone coming in from a different club and trying something different, moving from a different state, he's just been really good at that."

Brisbane are almost unbackable favourites against Essendon (1-6), who were smacked to the tune of 77 points by Collingwood on Anzac Day.

The Bombers have lost goal-sneak Isaac Kako to a back injury, and midfielder Darcy Parish has been managed, while injury-plagued Nik Cox returns for his first game since 2024.

"They've got a young group that's got nothing to lose. They're going to come out and throw everything at us," Rayner said.

"To bring it back to us, it's our mindset. We've got to make sure that we come out prepared to play against a strong team.

"They beat Melbourne, who beat us, and they played really well in that game. We're looking at them at their best, and at their best they're damaging."

Brisbane named Cody Curtin to debut in place of Oscar Allen, who has a long-term foot injury, and Dayne Zorko is back from a calf issue.