Tom Doedee set to play VFL for Brisbane, pushing for AFL debut against Collingwood in round 3

Free agency recruit Tom Doedee is closing in on his Brisbane debut in a boon for the club as it tries to kickstart its season in next week’s Grand Final rematch.

New recruit Tom Doedee at Lions training at Brighton Home Arena on Sunday. Picture Lachie Millard

Brisbane will unveil prized recruit Tom Doedee off-Broadway this weekend in preparation for a possible blockbuster Easter Thursday debut against Collingwood next Thursday.

Doedee, 27, will turn out for the Lions’ VFL side against Essendon at The Hanger on Saturday in what looms as a crucial form and fitness test for the key defender ahead of a potential club AFL debut against the reigning premier next week.

The Lions’ back six was a measure of continuity last season but has been thrown into chaos after two rounds, with Keidean Coleman (knee), Darcy Gardiner (knee) and Conor McKenna (hamstring) all sidelined.

Doedee has not played a competitive match since June 3 last year, when he ruptured the ACL in his right knee early against Gold Coast.

Doedee left the Crows as a free agent to head to Brisbane. Picture: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Brisbane backline coach Dale Morris revealed the former Crow had been cleared to return to footy this weekend and would be closely monitored, with match committee set to meet early next week to determine whether he will take the field against the Magpies.

“Tommy will roll out this weekend and play a bit of footy – he’ll be available for selection next week, depending on how he goes this weekend,” Morris told this masthead.

“It’s exciting for him. To come back from a knee (injury) can be nerve-racking and also starting at a new club as well, so he’s itching to get out there.

“His preparation and training has been really good. He’s dotted the Is and crossed the Ts to get himself to this point.”

Doedee has made steady progress in his recovery from an ACL injury. Picture: Lachie Millard

If Doedee gets through Saturday and plays well, it could put a selection squeeze on fellow key defender Jack Payne who was dropped for last weekend’s clash with Fremantle after a poor display in the Opening Round against Carlton.

Payne was also named to play VFL on Saturday and will line-up in the backline alongside Doedee, with a possible mini-battle looming for the second key tall spot next Thursday.

Payne enjoyed a breakout 2023 season before an ankle injury ruled him out of the grand final against Collingwood.

He looked well below his best against the Blues.

Morris said getting Payne up and firing was “the number one priority” for Brisbane’s back six.

“There’s a few guys up for consideration and Payney is one of those,” Morris said.

“(He needs to) just get some confidence back into himself and back to playing the footy we know Payney can play.

“He was good (dealing with getting dropped). He understands. He’s determined to get the best out of himself and get back to his best, because his best can match it with anyone.”

In a possible nod to the Lions’ plans for next week, running defender James Madden was not named to play VFL.

The Irishman could be in line to replace the injured McKenna across halfback.

Originally published as Tom Doedee set to play VFL for Brisbane, pushing for AFL debut against Collingwood in round 3