The Lions have received a huge boost ahead of the Finals with Stefan Martin to return from a back injury against Carlton at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The veteran ruckman last played in the 20 point round 7 victory over the GWS Giants in Sydney.

Martin has not played in a reserves practice match but has completed a solid block of match simulation training and coach Chris Fagan was keen to bring him straight back into the seniors to work in tandem with Oscar McInerney.

“I’ve felt like over the past two years we’ve played our best football when the two of those guys are in the team,’’ he said.

“We look forward to that combination getting back together.”

Brandon Starcevich also returns after missing the 32 point win over Sydney in Cairns due to concussion and Linc McCarthy is also back after having a week off due to a corked thigh.

Archie Smith and Mitch Hinge have been omitted while Noah Answerth is being managed.

Fagan fronted the media today where he was quick to shut down suggestions the side may not carry the usual motivation into the final home and away match of the season given a top two spot was now assured.

“We want to go into the finals in good form," Fagan said. 

"That's really important to us. We had a good chat about that just now and I didn't detect any players that weren't of the same mindset as the coach.

"Last year Richmond beat us in this final game, not that we played poorly that day, but you'd rather go in with momentum if you can. 

"It's not the be all and end all if you can't, but you'd rather go in with momentum."