Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Eric Hipwood is closing in on a long awaited return for the Brisbane Lions after spending nine months recovering from knee surgery, with the forward expected to be available this weekend against Richmond. Brisbane coach and selectors will decide whether Hipwood returns at AFL or VFL level as the Lions continue their pursuit of a third consecutive premiership.
The 28 year old has not played since discovering a partial tear in his reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament during rehabilitation from a separate calf injury, but teammates say he is ready to make an impact again.
Hipwood returns stronger after lengthy recovery
Brisbane co captain Harris Andrews revealed Hipwood has returned from rehabilitation noticeably stronger than before his injury setback.
The key forward has spent months rebuilding his fitness and conditioning while working through a complex recovery process.
According to Andrews, Hipwood has added significant size and strength during his time away from the field.
The Lions defender praised the energy and intent shown by his teammate throughout training as he approaches a return to competitive football.
Hipwood availability provides an important boost for Brisbane at a critical stage of the season.
His return adds another experienced option to a forward line that has already adapted impressively in his absence.
Forward line depth continues to grow
While Hipwood has been sidelined, Brisbane has uncovered several positive developments in attack.
Young forward Ty Gallop has impressed with his work at both ends of the ground and continues to strengthen his case for senior opportunities.
Former West Coast recruit Oscar Allen also found strong form alongside Logan Morris before suffering a long term foot injury.
The emergence of those players has helped Brisbane maintain scoring power despite the absence of one of its most important key forwards.
Hipwood strengths offer a different dimension to the attack.
His ability to move up the ground, provide a contest and link passages of play has long been one of the defining features of his game.
Andrews said Hipwood helps connect Brisbane ball movement and creates opportunities for teammates to remain closer to goal.
Lions finding different ways to win
Brisbane enters the Richmond clash with renewed confidence after ending a three match losing streak through victory over Gold Coast.
The result was particularly encouraging because it came through a style of football different from the Lions traditional strengths.
Rather than relying heavily on possession and uncontested ball movement, Brisbane found alternative ways to gain control and secure an important win.
That flexibility could prove crucial during the second half of the season as opponents continue searching for ways to counter the reigning premiers.
The return of experienced players such as Hipwood further expands Brisbane options across multiple areas of the ground.
Milestone games on the horizon
If selected this weekend, Hipwood will reach a significant personal milestone by playing his 200th AFL game.
The achievement would be particularly meaningful given the challenges he has faced throughout his rehabilitation.
Andrews is also set for a milestone appearance, with the star defender preparing to play his 250th AFL match.
The three time All Australian and dual premiership captain said recent weeks have been focused primarily on team performance rather than individual achievements.
However, he acknowledged reaching 250 games was a source of pride.
Andrews reflected on how priorities change throughout a career, explaining that team success and premiership memories ultimately become more important than personal accolades.
As Brisbane prepares to face Richmond in Hobart, the potential return of Hipwood and the milestone appearances for two club leaders provide additional motivation for a side determined to remain among the AFL premiership contenders.