The Lions can expect some more big name inclusions this week following the promising returns of Matthew Leuenberger, Daniel Rich, Tom Rockliff and Mitch Golby from injury last Saturday.
The quartet showed no signs of discomfort against Fremantle in Perth, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Hass confirmed that all four would be available to face Geelong at the Gabba on Sunday evening.
“(They were) four very nice inclusions to the team on the weekend, and they all got through nicely,” Hass said during the Bupa Recovery Report on LIONS TV.
“Richy, with his shoulder blade, went through some pretty heavy contact during the week to make sure he was right and there were no dramas there.”
The Lions are set to regain book-ends Jonathan Brown and Daniel Merrett from suspension, while midfielder Brent Moloney could also return after missing the Dockers match with a minor back injury.
“Beamer (Brent Moloney) is tracking along nicely,” Hass said.
“He’s ticked off all his rehab progressions and will go through a fitness test this week to see if he’s available for the Cats.”
Matt Maguire and Patrick Wearden’s return through the NEAFL last week leaves Moloney as one of just five players on the Lions’ current injury list – along with Claye Beams (knee), Stephen Wrigley (knee), Stefan Martin (ankle) and Jared Polec (ankle).
Martin is still 1-2 weeks away from playing, although Polec is a chance to resume playing with the Lions Reserves subject to a fitness test.
Beams and Wrigley have already been rules out for the season.
Casualty list dwindling
Brent Moloney is one of just five players on the Lions' injury list