Brown, the Lions’ captain, was banned for two matches after collecting Carlton defender Michael Jamison in round 9.
Key defender Merrett copped three games following an illegal sling tackle that knocked out Essendon forward Michael Hurley in Brisbane’s win over the Bombers in round 8.
Michael Voss’ side will also be without injured stars Matthew Leuenberger and Daniel Rich, while Tom Rockliff is in doubt after missing Brisbane’s last game with a quad issue.
