LIONS Physical Performance Coordinator Matt Hass says Vice-Captain Pearce Hanley’s chances of playing game 100 on Sunday against Fremantle, will depend largely on main training on Thursday.
Hanley had 13 touches and kicked a trademark fleet-footed goal that set the crowd alight against the Crows in his first game at the Gabba this season after hip surgery.
He was subbed off in the third quarter after feeling warning signs in his hamstring.
“Pearcey got the red vest, his lower back started to tighten up mid-way through the second quarter”, Hass said.
“We moved him to the forward pocket to try and conserve him for a little bit. Due to that tight back he was starting to get tight in his hamstrings so we took a fairly cautious approach with Pearce considering he’s had a few weeks out, just to get him through.
“He’ll be modified this week, hopefully get through a full training session and make himself available for the weekend.”
Hass said Dan Merrett got through his first match in the NEAFL since the round one loss to Collingwood without any concerns.
“Dan returned to the twos, he moved really well.
“He was in a few fairly big contests and looked like the Dan of old. He’ll make himself available for selection, it will just come down to Leppa and the coaches as to whether they decide to go with him.”
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The Lions should regain Captain Tom Rockliff and Nick Robertson in the coming weeks.
“We’ve got a few boys in the rehab group that are due to return fairly soon.
“Rocky is due the week after next, he’s doing some fairly heavy training at the moment trying to get his conditioning back.
“Nick Robbo is a certainty for the week after next, however he’ll join onto some training drills later this week and give himself a chance for this weekend’s game.”