WILD weather has disrupted the Brisbane Lions' build-up to their opening NAB Challenge match against St Kilda next Saturday.



Tropical cyclone Marcia, a Category Five storm bearing down on the Queensland coast about 600km north of Brisbane, has forced the Lions to cancel their intra-club match on Friday morning.



The Lions, who plan to field their strongest possible team during the pre-season competition, had hoped the hit-out would help Justin Leppitsch settle on his best side.



But the safety of players and the ground at Burpengary – the venue for the February 28 clash against the Saints – has taken priority.



Lions coach Justin Leppitsch told The Courier Mail that abandoning Friday's warm-up match would not be a setback for the players' fitness.



The Lions also play the Sydney Swans (March 6) and Gold Coast (March 22) before their round one clash against Collingwood at the Gabba on April 4.