When Brent Moloney clutched at his hamstring in the dying stages of last Sunday’s match against Port Adelaide, Lions fans naturally hoped for the best but expected the worst.

But Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Hass delivered some welcome news on Tuesday, advising that Moloney’s ailment was only minor.

“Beamer (Moloney) reported just a really sudden cramp. He’s got some soreness from that, through the hamstring, (but it’s) nothing we’re overly concerned about,” Hass told LIONS TV as part of the Bupa Recovery Report.

“We’ll check that out during the week, put him through his paces, and see if he’s available for selection.”

Moloney had only just returned from a calf complaint which had kept him out of the team’s previous two matches.

His availability is critical to the Lions’ midfield, which looks certain to be without stars Simon Black and Pearce Hanley for at least another week.

Black has been listed as still one week away with an adductor strain, while Hanley is set to miss his second straight match while he recovers from a broken hand.

“Pearce had his operation and was given a 2-4 week guide from the surgeon,” Hass revealed.

“He needs to be able to spoil and handball on that hand. There’s plenty of metal in there to support the bones, so it just depends now on pain and function as to when Pearce gets back.

“I guess you can expect him back in the next week or two.”

Check out the Lions’ full injury list ahead of Round 19 at the Bupa Health Centre.