Braveheart Brent Staker happy to be back in blue

INJURED Brisbane Lion Brent Staker is feeling blue on several counts but it has nothing to do with his mood.

INJURED Brisbane Lion Brent Staker is feeling blue on several counts but it has nothing to do with his mood.

Seven months into his recovery from a second knee reconstruction, Staker has progressed from the maroon-bibbed rehabilitation group and into the blue vests of the active group at training.

It is a small yet significant step for the utility, restricted to just 29 matches in three seasons at the Gabba.

The former Eagle will not return this season but is targeting a comeback in attack next year.

"Playing up forward is a good way to go, especially coming back from a knee reconstruction," Staker said.

"You get to dictate your running patterns a bit better."

Staker and Lions assistant coach Jamie Charman yesterday lent their profiles to Blue September, a campaign to raise money and awareness for Australian Prostate Cancer Research and the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.

Since his knee surgery, Staker has become a mentor and trainer for the club's reserves but has not entertained thoughts of a switch to full-time coaching when his playing career ends.

The Lions face Carlton in Melbourne on Saturday night.

On the Gold Coast, the career of seemingly forgotten veteran Josh Fraser is on the ropes with the Suns no certainty to recall him to play the GWS Giants at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.

Given a sudden injury crisis, the elevation of Fraser from the ranks of the NEAFL was a possible option.

But the 30-year-old former Collingwood ruckman-forward may again miss the boat as the club continues to invest in youth.

Fraser is in good form, kicking goals and leading the ruck well but age and time may be against him.

Coach Guy McKenna yesterday gave a strong hint Fraser would not get the nod.

When asked about his chances of returning, McKenna said: "Moving forward for us, it's probably more a (Tom) Nicholls or a (Tom) Hickey for a ruck spot because of Zac Smith's injury."

- Additional reporting, Terry Wilson, Gold Coast Bulletin