Jarrod Berry is expected to be available for the Brisbane Lions' grand final rematch with Geelong as the premiers move on from a nervy defeat of Carlton.

The two-time defending champions led the Blues by 49 points early in the third term before Michael Voss's side got within 10 in the final stages.

Best-on-ground Lachie Neale manufactured a late goal to finally ice the contest and coach Chris Fagan was happy to walk away with an 11-point win that consigned Carlton to a seventh-straight loss.

Brisbane improved to 6-3 and were coming off impressive, comfortable wins against Adelaide and Essendon.

"It's hard to win impressively every week in this competition," Fagan said.

"And I was worried about this game because I actually have a fair bit of time for Carlton and the way they play their footy.

"We've won six of our last seven games. So our form is pretty strong. Our other wins have been by bigger margins, and they've probably been stronger performances, but in this long marathon of a football season, sometimes you just go, 'take the points'."

The Lions host the Cats at the Gabba on Thursday and should welcome back Berry (calf), while Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) is also expected to be available.

Eric Hipwood is about six weeks away from returning from his latest round of knee surgery while Noah Answerth (concussion) is unlikely to be rushed back into the fold.

Ty Gallop (concussion) also missed the Blues clash and could return to face Geelong.