‘Presence’ of Eric Hipwood will lift the Brisbane Lions against Collingwood at the MCG

Brisbane’s hopes of beating Collingwood on Saturday have been aided by the return of a key forward.

The mere “presence” of the returning Eric Hipwood will give the Brisbane Lions a boost in Saturday’s MCG showdown against Collingwood.

The Lions are intent on bouncing back from last week’s 18-point loss to the GWS Giants at the Gabba.

Not only did the defeat – in which inaccurate goal-kicking proved costly – end Brisbane’s winning run at nine games, it also led to the Lions dropping out of the top four.

Key forward Hipwood’s return from a groin problem after two matches on the sidelines is therefore timely for a Brisbane side desperate to avoid back-to-back defeats, which would jeopardise the Lions’ chances of playing finals football.

Eric Hipwood is back in Brisbane’s team after recovering from a groin problem. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“We’ve missed ‘Hippy’ for the two weeks that he’s been out,” fellow forward Charlie Cameron said on Friday.

“He’s a quality player, he helps us in the forward line (being) another key target inside the 50 (metre zone), and all we want him to do is what he does well with his presence and his help around the field.

“He’s an exciting player as well.”

Cameron said the Lions had only “touched on” their inaccuracy at training this week.

“I think it’s more about just taking the moments in the game,” he said.

“It’s something that we’ve just got to keep working at.”

The Lions can end Collingwood’s slim hopes of reaching the top eight by winning on Saturday in a rematch of last year’s grand final, which the Magpies won by four points.

“They’re a quality side. Hopefully it’ll be a cracking game,” Cameron said.