The Brisbane Lions have taken a cautious approach to Simon Black’s return from a persistent adductor injury to ensure that the Club’s oldest, and most decorated, player can finish the season strongly.

Black, who has now been sidelined for six straight matches, was considered a chance to return through the NEAFL last weekend, but the Club ultimately decided not to risk their midfield general.

He will be monitored closely again this week in the hope that he can prove his fitness ahead of the team’s clash against Greater Western Sydney at the Gabba.

“As long as he gets through training, he should be available for senior selection,” Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Hass told LIONS TV as part of the regular Bupa Recovery Report.

“Last week he was touch and go. We felt there was no need to risk him in the seniors.

“The most appropriate thing for Blacky was a high intensity, controlled session, and he did that last week.”

The Lions’ careful approach with Black is probably warranted after Brent Moloney suffered another hamstring injury last Saturday.

The Club rolled the dice with Moloney after the former Melbourne Best & Fairest trained strongly during the week, but he ended up lasting only until half time.

“Unfortunately Beamer re-aggravated the hamstring he hurt against Port Adelaide a few weeks ago,” Hass confirmed.

“After scans, we’ve found out that he’s likely to miss 3-4 weeks, so his season looks to be over at this point.”

Moloney joins Co-Captain Jonathan Brown and defender Justin Clarke as the latest members of the Lions to have their 2013 campaigns ended prematurely.

In other injury news, Nick Hayes (foot), Niall McKeever (hamstring) and Patrick Karneizs (adductor) will all undergo fitness tests this week before being given the green light to make a possible return.