A positive return from Claye Beams in the NEAFL last Saturday could see the young Queenslander come under some consideration when the Match Committee convenes to select the senior team to take on North Melbourne this Saturday.

Beams was among the Lions Reserves’ best in his first competitive hitout since fracturing his foot in a NAB Challenge practice match two months ago – which was just his second match back after missing 12 months following knee surgery.

The 22-year-old has had more than his fair share of injury setbacks throughout his young AFL career, but has proven a valuable player when fit and firing.

But despite being tempted by Beams’ availability, Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch won't risk playing the talented midfielder if he's not ready.

“(Claye Beams) is a good user and a good finisher and we could use that,” Leppitsch told The Courier Mail on Tuesday.

“He looked pretty good on the weekend so we just have to weigh up if he is ready to make the step up or if he would be better off with another hit-out in the reserves.”

Development Coach Mitch Hahn echoed Leppitsch’s sentiments by saying that the Club would likely take a careful approach to Beams’ imminent return.

“He hopefully has a long career ahead of him, so we need to make sure we look after him and set him up to succeed,” Hahn told lions.com.au.

“He’ll be better for the run, but will probably need a couple more NEAFL games under his belt before we rush him back into the seniors.”

Both the senior and reserves teams will travel interstate this weekend, to Melbourne and Darwin respectively, before enjoy a week’s break courtesy of a scheduled Bye Round in both the AFL and NEAFL.