Brisbane Lions midfielder Hugh McCluggage has been confirmed to play in Thursday night’s match simulation against the Gold Coast SUNS at Brighton Homes Arena.

McCluggage will line-up for the Lions after recovering from a corked thigh which saw him sit out of last week’s intra-club match.

The Club will give Co-Captain Lachie Neale, who continues to work his way back from his off-season groin surgery, another week of full training before aiming to play the 30-year-old in next week’s AAMI Community Series match against the Sydney Swans.

In more promising signs for the Lions, Jarrod Berry (shoulder) has returned to full training and is also expected to travel to Blacktown and play next week, as is fellow teammate Dev Robertson (wrist) with the midfielder hopeful of joining in full training within the week.

Duo Tom Doedee and Will Ashcroft are continuing to show promising progress as they both work towards returns from ACL injuries sustained last season.

Doedee is eyeing off playing within the first month of the 2024 season, while Ashcroft is likely to be available around the midseason bye.

The Brisbane Lions will announce the full squad for Thursday’s match against the SUNS in the next couple of days.