Despite booting four goals in the NEAFL upon his return from a calf injury last Saturday, it’s unlikely that Ash McGrath will be rushed back into the senior side in time for Saturday night’s clash with Greater Western Sydney at the Gabba.

As tempting as it might be to inject McGrath's skill and experience back into the forward line, the fact he's been sidelined for more than three months is reason enough to take a more careful approach. 

McGrath was lively in his first official match for the 2014 season, but Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Hass said the veteran would need at least one more match in the NEAFL to regain match fitness.

“It was great to see Ash back. He played just short of 80% of game time, so had a really good run and pulled up fine,” Hass told LIONS TV as part of the Bupa Recovery Report.

“He’ll play in the twos again this week and will start pressing for senior selection after that.”

In the regular Reserves Wrap on lions.com.au, Reserves Coach Leigh Harding also suggested that McGrath would benefit from another NEAFL hitout.

“He obviously lacked a bit of match fitness, but that will come over next few weeks,” Harding said.

McGrath’s imminent senior return will further boost a Lions side that has found its mojo in recent weeks with consecutive wins against Carlton and the Western Bulldogs.