Hugh McCluggage a chance to play this weekend at the Gabba despite hamstring issue

Lions star Hugh McCluggage could overcome his hamstring problem to play at the Gabba this weekend.

Lions midfielder Hugh McCluggage injured his hamstring in Brisbane’s loss to Hawthorn. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Brisbane midfielder Hugh McCluggage is a chance to play against the GWS Giants on Saturday after better-than-expected news on his hamstring injury.

McCluggage had been scheduled to have scans on Monday afternoon after limping off late in Brisbane’s five-point weekend loss to Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium in Launceston.

However, the injury was later downgraded to a “hamstring awareness” concern.

“Hugh was just experiencing some hamstring awareness and will be a test to play this weekend (against the Giants),” Lions general manager of football Danny Daly said.

Powerful defender Marcus Adams – who missed Brisbane’s shock loss to the Hawks after he tested positive to Covid-19 last Wednesday – should return to action on Saturday.

Key forward Dan McStay (ankle) is reportedly also a chance to return this weekend after missing the Lions’ past two matches.

Despite being beaten by Hawthorn, the Lions remain in second spot on the AFL ladder.

However, they are now eight points adrift of undefeated leaders Melbourne, while third-placed Carlton have joined Brisbane on 32 points.

A new Lester has joined the Pride 😍 https://t.co/0zhDNU9IQJ

Congratulations Ryan & Emi on the birth of their first daughter, Georgie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Gze50AkPQA

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) May 22, 2022

Meanwhile, experienced Lions defender Ryan Lester, who also didn’t travel to Launceston after initially being named in Brisbane’s squad, became a father for the second time on Saturday morning when his wife Emi gave birth to a baby girl, Georgie Belle.