Giants welcome back Kelly, Hipwood a chance for Lions
GWS star Josh Kelly is set to return against Brisbane, while Lions forward Eric Hipwood is a chance for the top-four clash.
Influential ball winner Kelly has been cleared to play after missing the last five games with a calf injury in a massive boost for the Giants engine room.
Hipwood will need to get through training on Thursday to become available for Saturday’s match at the Gabba.
The Lions’ key forward, who has kicked 29 goals in 18 games this season, was a late out before last round’s win over St Kilda due to groin soreness.
Key defender Darragh Joyce could join Hipwood for his first game since fracturing his jaw in their round-19 win over Sydney, with GWS midfielder Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) also a chance of returning.
Geelong are hoping to welcome back Sam De Koning for their top-eight clash against Fremantle after the young defender avoided a serious right knee injury.
“Sam was unfortunately subbed out with a knee injury on the weekend against the Crows,” Geelong football boss Brett Johnson said.
“We will continue to monitor his progress throughout the week and readiness to play ahead of the game against Fremantle.”
Gary Rohan (concussion) is a test after missing last round, but defender Mark O’Connor will be sidelined for one-to-two weeks with a knee injury.
Tom Hawkins, who announced on Tuesday his retirement at the end of the season, is two weeks away from a return following a foot injury.
In some good news for an injury-hit Collingwood, forward Nathan Kreuger has been cleared from the concussion protocols and will be available for their match against the Swans.
Gold Coast duo Levi Casboult (hamstring) and Sam Day (foot) are set to bolster the Suns’ forward stocks, while co-captain Touk Miller (wrist) is eyeing a return in round 23.
Hawthorn ruck Ned Reeves (back), Port Adelaide ruck Ivan Soldo (knee) and key forward Todd Marshall (hip) and Western Bulldogs forward James Harmes (hamstring) are among others striving for selection this week.
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