With the start of the 2014 AFL Premiership Season just one month away, the Brisbane Lions find themselves in a relatively fortunate position injury-wise.

Only half a dozen players currently feature on the Club’s injury list, with the majority expected to be ready to play come Round One.

Jonathan Brown (foot), Brent Staker (calf) and Ash McGrath (calf) are among the more senior players in a race against time to be ready for the season opener against Hawthorn in Tasmania.

“(Brown) is coming along nicely – he’s back to all his footy movement. It’s just building his loads and intensity now. He should be available for Round One,” Strength & Conditioning Manager Matt Hass told LIONS TV as part of the Bupa Recovery Report.

“Ash and Stakes’ calf injuries are both relatively recent. We expect they will take 2-3 weeks all going well.”

Draftees Lewis Taylor (foot) and Darcy Gardiner (foot) are also a month away from playing, while versatile big man Stefan Martin is struggling with a back complaint.

The good news is that every player who ran out against Hawthorn during last Thursday night’s first NAB Challenge hitout has come away unscathed.

“The young fellas in general pulled up pretty well. They will all be available for selection and it’s up to Leppa going forward to see what sort of blend he goes for with this week’s squad.”

Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch has already hinted that the likes of Jed Adcock, Tom Rockliff, Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Daniel Rich, Matthew Leuenberger, Brent Moloney, Pearce Hanley, Luke McGuane, and Jack Redden could all return to bolster the side for Sunday’s practice match against the Gold Coast.

View the Lions’ pre-season injury list