Stefan Martin of the Brisbane Lions. Picture: AFL Photos

VETERAN ruckman Stefan Martin is on track to return for Brisbane's finals campaign as he continues to make good progress from a back injury. 

Martin has missed the Lions' past seven matches, recovering from stress fractures, with Oscar McInerney excelling in his absence as the No.1 ruckman. 

But Brisbane's football manager David Noble says Martin is almost ready to put his hand up for a recall. 

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 06:21

    Buckley: 'The execution was a fair way off'

    Watch Collingwood's press conference after round 15's match against Brisbane

    AFL
  • 07:33

    Fagan: 'Our boys found a way to will themselves over the line'

    Watch Brisbane's press conference after round 15's match against Collingwood

    AFL
  • 06:06

    Highlights: Brisbane v Collingwood

    The Lions and Magpies clash in round 15

    AFL
  • 00:34

    Cox gets his big boot in and it's game on

    Mason Cox kicks a toe-poke goal and the Pies keep pushing

    AFL
  • 00:27

    Oh no, Mihocek's had a 'mare here

    Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek with a goal gone begging

    AFL
  • 00:30

    Attacking Lyons with a stoppage goal to savour

    Jarryd Lyons attacks the ball and snaps a beauty and extends Brisbane's lead

    AFL
  • 01:15

    Tensions explode after McCluggage cleans up Magpies' mess

    Errant handball gifts Hugh McCluggage a goal and Brayden Maynard targets Mitch Robinson

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Bursting Berry slices through the traffic

    Brisbane gun Jarrod Berry pounces on some sloppy defending and extends the Lions' lead

    AFL
  • 00:41

    Powerful Pie's courageous leap pays off

    Brody Mihocek flies across the front of the pack and takes an uncontested mark

    AFL

"Stef was running on Saturday before our practice match with Collingwood. He's actually moving along really well," Noble said. 

"If there's some good progression with him in the next couple of weeks, we might be able to squeeze a practice match in with him before the bye (ahead of finals), which would be pretty encouraging. 

"That's where it is today, we don't know if he gets a little setback or it takes a little longer, but we're really comfortable with the loads he's getting up to." 

18:37

AAA Ep14: They are a 'laughing stock': Lloyd hurting over Bombers' lost identity

Matthew Lloyd and Damian Barrett discuss all of the fallout from a big week in football

Just a day after AFL.com.au revealed Virgin Australia AFL All Australian defender Harris Andrews would be missing for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, it was mixed news on the medical front for the Lions as they continue to juggle their big-man stocks. 

Archie Smith has now played two practice matches on return from an ankle problem and is in the frame to replace youngster Tom Fullarton (quad) and partner McInerney against Gold Coast on Wednesday night.

Andrews' absence is a tough void to fill, with one-gamer Jack Payne in line for a call-up. 

LADDER PREDICTOR Can your team make the eight?

"He's an important player for us, no doubt," Noble said of Brisbane's vice-captain. 

"He's able to do his job because we get good ball pressure up the field. 

"It's not just about him and his one-on-ones, they're obviously really special and he does a great job, but there are other elements to our defensive capabilities. 

"We'll just have to work harder in those other areas." 

ROUNDS 16-18 Check out the full fixture

One man Brisbane won't be able to turn to is Marcus Adams, now on the long-term injury list and out for the remainder of the 2020 season with a fractured foot.

IN AFL ON DEMAND NOW