Brisbane Lions Daniel Rich hopes to get a couple of NAB Challenge practice matches under his belt as part of his preparation towards the Club’s blockbuster Round 1 clash against Collingwood at the Gabba.

Rich, who underwent a full knee reconstruction in April last year, is on track to make his much anticipated on-field return in the Lions’ season opener.

The 24-year-old has been gradually building up his training loads, and is expected to make at least one appearance in the team’s schedule of pre-season practice matches.

“It would be good to get a few games in before the first game of the season,” Rich told Lions TV.

“If I can play (in the first NAB Challenge match) that would be great, but if not, it’s not the end of the world.”

Rich hasn’t missed a beat in his recovery from major knee surgery, and after a lengthy rehabilitation, is excited that the on-field action is only a couple of months away.

“Training’s been great since coming back from Christmas. We had a good break, and have gotten stuck into more of the footy side of things which is the good part and what we all love,” he said.

“You can tell (footy’s) not too far away now which is exciting for the boys.

“I’m pretty much in full training, there’s just the odd drill here and there that I’ve slowly filtered back into. But I’m doing all the game simulation stuff now which is exciting.”