The explosive utility was the injury substitution for last week’s Q Clash victory over the Suns at the Gabba.

Although he was not called upon in that game, he made another bid for a senior call-up when he returned to the VFL side on Sunday and was one of the best on ground in a tough clash with the Giants.

He is now part of an extended 26-man squad that will be trimmed by Friday afternoon.

The former top 10 draft pick joined the Lions at the end of last season after an injury plagued stint at Geelong where he managed just 35 games in six seasons.

He has gradually been building towards top form and fitness and has been knocking the door down for senior selection for the past three weeks in the VFL.

Lions skipper Dayne Zorko said he along with all the rest of the playing group, were excited at the prospect of Cockatoo making his Lions debut.

“He is training extremely well at the moment, he has really knuckled down over the past eight weeks, and he has got his body in the best shape I’ve seen since he’s been here,’’ he said.

“I was fortunate enough and unfortunate enough to play against him at Geelong where he put in a couple of great performances against us.

“We know what his best football can bring and if he can get close to that, whether it’s this week he comes in or next, he’s certainly chomping at the bit and when he comes in I know he’ll make an impact.’’

Zorko said 24-year-old had the capacity to be a match winner with his explosive power and athleticism and added that he was also the type of player who was able to lift his teammates with the energy he brought to the side.

“He has an X-Factor we can certainly use at the back end of the season,’’ he said.

“It is his personality as well, he’s quite a bubbly guy and he brings so much enjoyment to the game.

“He does everything with a smile on his face and naturally that generates a lot of excitement in the group.’’