Brisbane defender Tom Doedee is a step closer to making his AFL return and Lions debut, with the former Crow set for an outing in the VFL this weekend after overcoming his second ACL setback in as many seasons.
Doedee's last AFL appearance came on June 3, 2023 - 671 days ago before the 28-year-old dealt with a pair of knee setbacks that bookended a move to Queensland.
The athletic defender, who played just one game in 2019 due to an ACL injury, suffered the same fate in what would be his last game with Adelaide two years ago.
A season-ending setback against Gold Coast would bring a close to Doedee's 82-game stint with the Crows, with a free agency venture to Brisbane coming at the cessation of the 2023 season.
Doedee suited up for the Lions' reserves in the opening round of the VFL last year and was in the frame to face Collingwood 12 months ago, only for a partial tear to his ACL forcing him back onto the sidelines for another year.
His latest rehabilitation has come to a close once more, with Doedee to play for Brisbane's VFL outfit on Saturday when the Lions face Richmond at Punt Road.
The return will see Doedee near his long-awaited Brisbane debut at the top level, with the reigning premiers in line for a major boost amid their flag defence.
Doedee is one of several Lions who were forced to overcome long-term knee injuries from last year, with fellow backman Darcy Gardiner managing his return to football a fortnight ago when Brisbane's VFL side met with Port Melbourne.
Gardiner enjoyed a successful first game back, booting three goals as a forward against the Borough in a 25-point victory.
Dashing defender Keidean Coleman remains at least a month away as he continues his rehabilitation, while veteran forward Lincoln McCarthy hasn't ruled out a late-season return after suffering another ACL setback in the pre-season.
Brisbane's reserves will face the Tigers on Saturday at 11:05 pm (AEDT), with AFL-listed pair Luke Lloyd and Conor McKenna among the inclusions for Ben Hudson's side.
