Lions midfield duo Simon Black and Brent Moloney will be given every chance to prove their fitness ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Melbourne in Darwin.

Black (adductor) and Moloney (calf) both missed last weekend’s come-from-behind victory over North Melbourne, and would prove welcome additions to the Lions’ side.

“Both those guys are tracking along alright. Both will look to train this week,” Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Hass told LIONS TV as part of the Bupa Recovery Report.

“If all things go to plan, and they pass a fitness test, they should be right to return this week.

“Failing that, the following week should see them both play.”

Moloney will no doubt be champing at the bit to be ready to face his former side for the second time.

In his first outing against Melbourne back in Round 5 at the Gabba, he produced a best on ground display with a game-high 36 disposals and 10 clearances.

Another former Demon Stefan Martin, who hasn’t played since injuring his foot in Round 4, is also a step closer to making his long-awaited return.

Martin was expected to return through the NEAFL earlier this month, but suffered a minor hamstring setback.

“Stef’s now back on track,” Hass said.

“Having had so many weeks off how, he’ll make his way back through the twos and hopefully get a few senior games at the back end of the season.”

There was some bad news from the Lions’ medical room, however, with rookie Nick Hayes set to miss the next month of football with a foot complaint.