Barrett backed up an impressive off-season by being named in the Lions’ round one team that will take on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

In a big day for Barrett on Thursday, he was upgraded to the Lions senior list, before being named in the starting 18 that night.

Barrett said it justified his decision to head north in search of greater opportunities.

“I’m very excited, over the moon,” Barrett said.

“I’m very grateful, that’s for sure, and just stoked to get the opportunity.

“During the off-season I had a pretty big decision to make. I had the best feeling about Brisbane and it’s worked out really well.”

It will be Barrett’s first AFL game since his debut, for Greater Western Sydney, in round 23, 2015.

Barrett has not missed a training session since being taken by the Lions in the rookie draft in November and impressed in Brisbane’s three pre-season games.

"Jake thoroughly deserves his elevation to the senior list," Lions coach Chris Fagan told lions.com.au.

"At every point in the pre-season, he has shown that he is committed to playing senior football, so I am really pleased that he now has a chance to prove himself."

Meantime, Matt Kennedy was named in the Giants’ round one team to take on Adelaide on Sunday, while Harry Cunningham was picked for the Swans.