Hugh McCluggage cleared to face St Kilda after concussion

The Lions are set to welcome back one of their best for Friday’s blockbuster clash with St Kilda, yet a question still remains on the health of another one of their stars.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Hugh McCluggage of the Lions is taken from the ground after a collision during the round 13 AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 10, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Brisbane Lions star Hugh McCluggage has been cleared to play against St Kilda on Friday night after getting through the main training session at Brighton Homes Arena on Tuesday.

Ten days after the 25-year-old was knocked out by a James Sicily sling tackle that netted the Hawthorn skipper a three-week suspension, McCluggage has cleared the AFL’s concussion protocols and will be available for selection this week.

The midfielder missed last week’s 16-point win over Sydney but is expected to travel with the team to Melbourne on Thursday as the Lions size up a crucial clash with fellow top-four aspirants St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

James Sicily's tackle on Hugh McCluggage in round 13.

After righting the ship against the Swans, a road victory over the Saints would give Brisbane an important top-four buffer ahead of back-to-back home games against the Tigers and Eagles.

McCluggage’s inclusion shapes as a massive boost for the Lions, who now present a near-clean bill of health.

Former skipper Dayne Zorko sat out the loss to Hawthorn a fortnight ago through suspension and missed the Sydney clash. A call on his availability will be made later in the week as he works through calf tightness.

It’s better news in defence with both Jack Payne (ankle) and Darcy Gardiner (quad) deemed fit to line up on Friday night.

Payne rolled his ankle against the Swans but trained without issue on Tuesday, while Gardiner will be available for selection after missing last week’s match.

Originally published as Hugh McCluggage cleared to face St Kilda after concussion