Forward Dan McStay will return to full contact training next week as he completes the final stage of his recovery from a knee injury.
The 25-year-old trained strongly with the main squad on the MCG on Tuesday and will push for a return to action next week.
High Performance manager Damien Austin said McStay had progressed well with his rehabilitation and was now running at full capacity.
“He’s going well, he’s doing all the running work and will get into contact session next week and hopefully be available to play next weekend,’’ he said.
Ruckman Oscar McInerney, who missed the one-point victory over Collingwood at Easter Thursday with an ankle injury, completed some running drills at Tuesday’s session and remains in contention for a return against the Bulldogs.
He will undergo a fitness test in Ballarat later in the week.
With the VFL season a week away from commencing the Lions hope a couple of experienced campaigners will be available for selection.
Archie Smith faces a fitness tests this week to be considered for the final reserves trial game against the Gold Coast Suns while new recruit Nakia Cockatoo will push to make a return to action next week.
Archie Smith – Achilles/shoulder – test
Nakia Cockatoo – hamstring – 1 week
Connor McFadyen – knee 6-7 weeks
Oscar McInerney – ankle – test
Dan McStay – knee – 1 week
Cam Rayner – knee - season
