The Brisbane Lions have arrived at the pre-finals bye with close to a full bill of health, including positive updates on a key trio.
Lincoln McCarthy remains set to be available for the Lions Qualifying Final against Port Adelaide at The Gabba next Saturday.
The crafty forward sat out of Brisbane’s final match of the home and away season with a calf strain, though was running last week and will be back to full training next week after the bye.
Fellow forward Jack Gunston, who sustained a MCL strain of his left knee in Saturday’s Round 22 win over Adelaide, is also progressing well in his bid to return to play in 2023.
The triple premiership player is out of his knee brace and ‘tracking well’ according to Lions High Performance Manager Damien Austin.
“We have increased Jack’s strength and cardio work over the last week and will aim to have him running later this week,” he said.
“We will then build up his running based on how he pulls up, but we expect him to be fine.
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“Will be aiming for him to be back doing some higher speed running, change of direction, some form of skills, & contact progressions in the next few weeks, hopeful he will be a chance for the third week of the finals.”
Veteran defender Daniel Rich is the third Lion nearing closer to be available for selection as he continues to overcome a hamstring injury.
“Daniel is tracking well in his recovery and will aim to join in modified skills by the end of the week, with an aim to return to full training by end of next week,” Austin said.
INJURY LIST
Lincoln McCarthy - Calf - Test
Daniel Rich – Hamstring - 1 week
Jack Gunston – MCL - 2 weeks
James Madden – Shoulder - TBC
Carter Michael – Quad - Season
Will Ashcroft – Knee - Season
Noah Answerth – Shoulder - Season
