Brisbane will have to win a down and dirty physical battle against GWS in Saturday’s AFL semi-final at the Gabba without hard nut Mitch Robinson.

The midfielder has been ruled out of the game due to a hamstring tendon injury sustained late in last Saturday’s 47-point qualifying final defeat against Richmond.

Robinson’s absence is a blow as the Lions steel themselves for a thorough examination by the Giants, who battered the Western Bulldogs in last Saturday’s elimination final win.

The Giants’ physical approach has sent Toby Greene straight to the tribunal on Monday night on a serious misconduct charge for an incident involving Marcus Bontempelli, while forward Harry Himmelberg was fined $2000 for delivering a gut punch to the Western Bulldogs star.

Ruckman Stef Martin acknowledged losing Robinson was a blow but has backed the club’s depth to shine through.

“There is only one Robbo and he’s had an unbelievable season,” Martin said.

“He’s a big reason why we’ve done as well as we have, but those wing spots in the pre-season, we had a lot of guys who were putting their hand up to play those roles.

“A lot of those guys haven’t had that many chances because Mitch has been doing so well. If they get their chance this week, they’ll be ready.”

Martin fully expects the Giants to continue to be physical against the Lions but doesn’t believe it will unsettle him and his teammates.

“They’ve got some tough guys who like to throw their weight around and … I’m sure if that worked for them on the weekend, they’ll probably want to replicate that,” Martin said.

Despite admitting the mood had been flat following the loss to the Tigers, Martin said the round 17 win over Port Adelaide had shown the Lions aren’t easily bullied.

Lions coach Chris Fagan labelled the attention given by the Power to midfielder Lachie Neale as “over the top” following the match, but Martin said the 48-point winning margin showed the physical aggression had had little impact.

“We were pretty proud that we just got on with the job and watched the footy and did what we needed to do,” Martin said.

“That peripheral sort of stuff we don’t want to get sucked into that.

“We don’t mind if we lose the off the ball battles as long as we win the on the ball battles.”

Robinson’s fitness will be reassessed if the Lions beat the Giants to set up an MCG preliminary final against rivals Collingwood.