Claye Beams and Stephen Wrigley have returned to the Hyundai Centre to begin their rehabilitation from full knee reconstructions.

Wrigley ruptured his ACL during a NEAFL pre-season practice match on the eve of the 2013 season, while Beams suffered a similar season-ending injury at training in the lead-up to the team’s Round 3 clash against Gold Coast.

Both have since spent some time ‘resting up’ after undergoing surgery, and will now commence their journey down the long road to recovery.

“The two ACL boys are back on deck and have kicked off their rehab,” Strength & Conditioning Coach Matt Hass told LIONS TV as part of the Bupa Recovery Report.

“Wrigs a little bit longer out and on crutches because of a meniscus injury, but they’re both back and doing their bike and pool work now.

“They’ll be brothers in arms during the rehab process. Hopefully we’ll see them back fighting fit in 10-12 months.”

The pair will take great inspiration from Brent Staker’s storybook return with the senior team last Saturday after two consecutive knee reconstructions.

Hass also praised Staker’s enormous effort in his first senior hitout.

“Big Stakesy came back and played a full match. It was great to see him come back and handle the senior intensity so well,” Hass said.

Staker’s return could prove timely following the suspensions handed down to key defenders Daniel Merrett and Justin Clarke by the AFL Match Review Panel on Monday.

Merrett and Clarke’s absence means the Lions could be forced to play Staker more as a permanent defender.

Senior Coach Michael Voss has also hinted that Matt Maguire could be a chance to return for his first senior game since Round 1 when he hurt his leg against the Western Bulldogs.