BRISBANE LIONS Physical Performance Coordinator Matt Hass says the Bupa Recovery Support Team will monitor how skipper Tom Rockliff gets through training this week to make a decision on his return.

“Tom’s doing OK.

“We’re pretty happy with the condition of his lung that’s pretty well back to normal. He’ll do a bit of training this week and see how he is functionally. What sort of range he has and what his pain threshold is like around the ribs”, Hass said.

“We’ll look at how he pulls up from main training and make a call after that.”

Defender Dan Merrett is expected back from a hamstring injury for next weekend’s clash against the Gold Coast Suns.

“Dan’s following his running progressions pretty well, hasn’t got to max speed at this point in time. That will make his unavailable for this weekend however he should get a full week of training under his belt next week and be available the following weekend.”

Ryan Harwood is likely to play for the Reserves against Ainslie at Coorparoo on Saturday.

“Harzy’s tracking pretty well and he’ll play this weekend in the twos. A little bit of modified game time but all is looking good for Ryan.

“He’ll continue to impress and increase his load and he’ll be back in the seniors in due course.”

Forward Michael Close had surgery last week to repair his ruptured ACL suffered in the Lions’ loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on April 12.

“It was quite a straightforward reconstruction.

“He’ll spend time down in Melbourne with family. He’s reviewed by the orthopaedic surgeon in about a fortnight’s time then he’ll head back to Brisbane and come into our care and start his rehab from there,” Hass said.

“He’s in good spirits, everyone’s looking forward to getting him back and bulking him up to get him back for round one next year.”

The full injury list can be viewed at the Bupa Health Centre.