INJURED Brisbane Lion Daniel Rich could be back as early as round 12 but is more likely to return from his broken shoulder against Geelong in round 13.
Rich suffered the injury in a training mishap on April 24, and Lions football manager Dean Warren says he is still on track to miss the originally diagnosed time of eight weeks.
Rich got out of a sling for the first time last week and has started running on the club's AlterG (anti-gravity) treadmill.
Weight-bearing exercises – like lifting weights or even handballing – are still a little way off.
"He's not running on the ground yet because that jarring is a bit too much at the moment," Warren said.
"His program is coming along pretty well. He's doing other strength activities and coming along as planned. It's progressing really nicely."
The Lions have the bye in round 11 and Warren said the 22-year-old was a chance of returning the following week for a trip to Fremantle.
However, wanting to be slightly conservative with their vice-captain and star midfielder, Warren said it was more likely he would be back in round 13 against Geelong at the Gabba.
Versatile tall Stefan Martin will also take his first steps this week towards recovery from an ankle injury.
Martin is expected to train with the main group on Friday and should be available for selection to play the Dockers in round 12.
Meanwhile Warren said contract negotiations surrounding key trio Rich, Matthew Leuenberger and Pearce Hanley were coming along well and the Lions were confident of retaining all three.
"We've met with Paul Connors for those three in particular and the negotiations have commenced and we're working through it," he said.
"Absolutely we're confident. They're key members of our team and we want to keep them and they've shown every indication they want to stay.
"Hopefully it won't be too far away."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
Rich suffered the injury in a training mishap on April 24, and Lions football manager Dean Warren says he is still on track to miss the originally diagnosed time of eight weeks.
Rich got out of a sling for the first time last week and has started running on the club's AlterG (anti-gravity) treadmill.
Weight-bearing exercises – like lifting weights or even handballing – are still a little way off.
"He's not running on the ground yet because that jarring is a bit too much at the moment," Warren said.
"His program is coming along pretty well. He's doing other strength activities and coming along as planned. It's progressing really nicely."
The Lions have the bye in round 11 and Warren said the 22-year-old was a chance of returning the following week for a trip to Fremantle.
However, wanting to be slightly conservative with their vice-captain and star midfielder, Warren said it was more likely he would be back in round 13 against Geelong at the Gabba.
Versatile tall Stefan Martin will also take his first steps this week towards recovery from an ankle injury.
Martin is expected to train with the main group on Friday and should be available for selection to play the Dockers in round 12.
Meanwhile Warren said contract negotiations surrounding key trio Rich, Matthew Leuenberger and Pearce Hanley were coming along well and the Lions were confident of retaining all three.
"We've met with Paul Connors for those three in particular and the negotiations have commenced and we're working through it," he said.
"Absolutely we're confident. They're key members of our team and we want to keep them and they've shown every indication they want to stay.
"Hopefully it won't be too far away."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
