Brisbane are expecting to have small forward Lincoln McCarthy available for the club's qualifying final against Port Adelaide next Saturday night.
McCarthy suffered a calf injury against Collingwood in Round 23 and wouldn't face St Kilda in the Lions' final home and away season fixture against St Kilda due to the setback.
The club revealed on Tuesday evening that McCarthy is expected to play against the Power and should be back training fully next week ahead of the first final.
McCarthy has already returned to running after the calf strain but will remain a test for the next week.
Elsewhere, veteran forward Jack Gunston won't be available for the first two weeks of finals, with the former Hawk in recovery from an MCL injury sustained in Round 22.
Brisbane has revealed Gunston is progressing well and remains a chance to play again in 2023, however there is still some time left in his rehabilitation process before returning to Chris Fagan's side.
“We have increased Jack's strength and cardio work over the last week and will aim to have him running later this week,” Lions performance boss Damian Austin said in a club update.
“We will then build up his running based on how he pulls up, but we expect him to be fine.
“Will be aiming for him to be back doing some higher speed running, change of direction, some form of skills, & contact progressions in the next few weeks, hopeful he will be a chance for the third week of the finals.”
Lastly, senior defender Daniel Rich is unlikely to be available for Brisbane's final against Port Adelaide due to a hamstring strain suffered in recent weeks at VFL level.
Rich, who hasn't played at AFL level since Round 13, presents as a reliable depth option for Fagan if the 33-year-old can be cleared to play.
“Daniel is tracking well in his recovery and will aim to join in modified skills by the end of the week, with an aim to return to full training by end of next week,” Austin said.
Brisbane will host Port Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday, September 9 at 7:25pm (AEST) to conclude the opening week of finals. The winner in the match will have a week off before advancing to a home preliminary final, while the loser will face the winner of the elimination final between St Kilda and GWS in the second week of finals.
