The Brisbane Lions will take their pre-season training up a notch as they host their first intra-club match of 2025 at Brighton Homes Arena this afternoon.

This match is set to also increase the excitement amongst Lions fans counting down the days until the club’s Opening Round Clash with Geelong at the Gabba on March 6.

Fans will see a total of 19 premiership players from last season, out of a possible 22 still on the club’s list, take the field at Brighton Homes Arena tonight.

This includes Co-Captain Lachie Neale who has recovered from a serious foot injury which he played through most of the second half of the 2024 season with.

Though due to a delayed start to off-season surgeries and pre-season training commencing later due to playing in last year’s Grand Final, the Lions will give some players more time.

Two of those are Oscar McInerney (shoulder) and Brandon Starcevich (quad), with the pair a chance to play in the club’s second intra-club next week.

While Co-Vice Captain Hugh McCluggage (ankle), defender Shadeau Brain (shoulder) and father-son draftee Levi Ashcroftcould return for Match Simulation against Gold Coast and Collingwood on February 20.

The Lions then host Adelaide in the AAMI Community Series at Brighton Homes Arena on February 27, where the club is hopeful of welcoming back more players.

That could include forward Eric Hipwood (groin) and ruck-forward Henry Smith (shoulder).

The group of Lincoln McCarthy, Darcy Gardiner, Tom Doedee and Keidean Coleman are all at various stages in their return from ACL injuries sustained last year.

McCarthy and Gardiner are looking at approximately another four weeks of training before hopefully being ticked off as available to play, and seven to nine weeks for Doedee.

The club will hold off from putting a timeframe on the return of Coleman, as it works through a revised program with the defender.

Due to Coleman experiencing some swelling as his training load increased, he will be given some time off running to allow his knee to settle before transitioning back to training.

This approach is to ensure a smooth return which sees him best prepared to play at a high level.

The club will advise once an expected return date is available.

Injury List