The Brisbane Lions might have lost Co-Captain Jonathan Brown with a torn plantar fascia, but they could regain some valuable experience in the form of midfield pair Simon Black and Brent Moloney.

Black has missed five straight matches since hurting his adductor in Round 14 against Hawthorn, but Lions Physical Performance Manager Brett Burton says the three-time Club Champion is edging closer to a return.

“Blacky’s tracking along well. He had a good session late last week and also trained (on Monday),” Burton told LIONSTV as part of the regular Bupa Recovery Report.

“We’ll look to get a full session into him (on Wednesday), see how he pulls up, and make a decision from there.”

Moloney has also had some injury troubles of late, having featured in just one of the Lions’ past four matches.   

“Beamer (Moloney) pulled up sore from the (Port Adelaide) game. He’ll be tested in the main session, similar to Blacky,” Burton said.

“Both those guys are still in a little bit of doubt.”

Meanwhile, Burton revealed that Brown’s expected time on the sidelines wouldn’t be known until the skipper’s second consultation with his specialist.

“The specialist wants to see him again later next week, once all the blood and swelling goes out of the foot and make an assessment from there,” Burton said.

“Whether we push on, or whether it’s surgery, we’ll now more information next week.”

In better news, Stefan Martin made such a positive return in the NEAFL last weekend that he might even push for senior selection to face the Tigers.

“He went really well Stef, kicked four goals in the Reserves and had a really good game. It’s good for his confidence,” Burton said.

“He’d been out for 3-4 months, so be able to come back and have that kind of impact is really good for him and I’m sure he’ll be considered for selection in the senior team this week.”

Niall McKeever has also been listed as a test after a minor hamstring strain kept him out of last week’s NEAFL match against Sydney.

See the Lions’ full Round 20 injury list.