Merrett (ankle) and Patfull (jaw) have been sidelined since the Lions’ Round 8 win against Adelaide at the Gabba while Drummond (calf) missed last Sunday’s win over Hawthorn after hurting himself during the previous week’s match against Carlton.
With no matches scheduled for the Lions this week as part of the AFL’s Split Round, all three players are expected to be available for selection next week.
Veteran midfielder Travis Johnstone may also be a chance to return against his old side after withdrawing late from Sunday’s match against Hawthorn with a back injury.
Meanwhile young midfielder Bradd Dalziell experienced his first hit-out last Saturday with the Lions Reserves side since injuring his knee back in Round 5 against Geelong at Skilled Stadium.
Despite being part of a heavy loss to Labrador, Dalziell gained some valuable match fitness and will begin pressing for senior selection after the Split Round.
However, the Lions are set to lose utility Troy Selwood for 4-6 weeks after he dislocated his shoulder in the first quarter of last Sunday’s match against the Hawks.
It is disappointing news for Selwood who had only just returned to the senior side after recovering from a heavy concussion suffered against Richmond back in Round 7 at the MCG.
Ruckman Jamie Charman is still a few weeks away from returning which means that Mitch Clark and Jared Brennan will continue their roles as makeshift ruckmen after the mid-season break. The pair have been impressive in the absence of regular ruckmen Charman and Matthew Leuenberger.
Clark – who is in career-best form – was taken from the field as a precaution against Hawthorn and has received the all-clear from the Lions medicos.
Click here to view the Lions’ complete injury list.
