Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has delivered a stern message to new recruit Cam Ellis-Yolmen.

The midfielder has been omitted from the Lions side for Sunday’s Marsh Series clash with Carlton at Ikon Park.

Fagan told reporters that the former Crow has some areas of his game he must work on before he finds himself playing senior football again.

“His form just hasn't quite been good enough,” Fagan said.

“It just shows that just because he's been recruited to the club doesn't mean you're going to walk straight into the side.

“You've actually got to earn your spot. So he's aware of that.

“He'll be looking forward to putting in a good performance in the reserves and I'm sure he will.”

Ellis-Yolmen, 27, picked up 16 possessions (three kicks, 13 handballs) in the opening weekend’s Marsh fixture loss to Port Adelaide, including eight contested, but did not do enough elsewhere according to Fagan.

“His inside ball stuff is a pretty strong feature of his game,” he added.

“He would just want to make sure he works hard on the outside as well.

“Part of it is just getting to know your teammates and fitting into a new system. There's always challenges for new players at new clubs.”

Ellis-Yolmen will be replaced in the Lions side by young midfielder Deven Robertson.

The Western Australian U18 captain and Larke Medal winner was overlooked in the first round of the 2019 draft before Brisbane pounced at pick 22.

“Yeah, he's (Robertson) going to play on Sunday,” said Fagan.

“We’re really happy with his progress. You are always trying to learn about your players, we haven't seen him against opposition yet.

“It will be a good chance to have a look at that and see if he can put his hand up for Round 1.

“He’s a competitor and he does everything he can every day to improve.

“He’s got an amazing attitude. I just love that about him.”

The Lions will tune up against the Blues ahead of their Round 1 trip to the MCG to take on Hawthorn on March 22.